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Lee, P. C., Fishlock, V., Moss, C., Njiraini, N., Sayialel, K., & Welch, M. (2026). Personality components of wild male African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Amboseli, Kenya. Animal Behavior and Cognition, 13(4), 367-384.  https://doi.org/10.26451/abc.13.04.03.2026

Personality, consistent individual differences in behavior across time and contexts, has been assessed for over 200 non-human species. Personality components have been quantified in both captive and wild female African elephants (Loxodonta africana); male personality traits have been explored in working Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), and behavioral consistencies have clearly been demonstrated in wild African males. Personality assessments therefore constitute a useful method for understanding individual variance in behavioral traits for elephants. Here we present a rating-based personality score for 55 wild male African elephants, ranging in age from 11-55 years, by observers who had known the males as individuals for at least ten years. We found five robust personality dimensions using principal component analysis. Component 1 (30% of the variance) was characterized by high levels of permissiveness, predictability, and sensitivity and may be related to the evolution of complex social interactions. Component 2 (17% of the variance), negatively correlated with age, represented apprehension, insecurity and fearfulness. Component 3 (12% of variance) was defined by irritability, aggression, tension, and being active. Component 4 (9% of variance) was characterized by high levels of equable, predictable and gentle ratings, and may also be related to group cooperation and positive social dynamics. Component 5 (4% of variance) was also negatively correlated with age and defined by playfulness and curiosity. We illustrate the rich individual differences among adult male African elephants which can be identified and quantified by knowledgeable human observers to create personality profiles.

Personality, Elephant male life history, Male social sensitivity, Bellicosity