Elephants regularly consume soil from specific locations known as mineral licks. These soils contain essential minerals like sodium and calcium. The behavior helps balance diets that lack certain nutrients. Elephants often travel long distances to reach preferred mineral sites. This is deliberate nutritional behavior, not accidental ingestion.
It matters because mineral intake supports bone health and lactation. Nutrition affects the entire herd’s resilience.
It also shows elephants understand their dietary needs instinctively. Appetite becomes a survival strategy.
Pregnant and lactating females visit mineral licks more frequently. These sites often become social gathering points.
African Wildlife Foundation (awf.org)