Abstract

The temporal gland is an organ uniquely possessed by living elephants and extinct mammoths. When the gland becomes active it is for a varied period, and the characteristic behavior that results is known as musth. The gland is located on both sides of the head, just over the temporal arch, between the ear and the eye, while its external orifice is a slit located in the temporal depression. The active phase of the gland is marked by swelling of the surrounding skin and an overflowing of a fluid which stains the skin black and smells like phenol. Intermittent uncontrolled urine dribbling is also observed during this peak period. Although much work has to be done on musth in wild Asian elephants, experiments on captive Asian bulls and field observations have already contributed much. At present the secret of the exact function of musth remains obscure and has led to a variety of hypotheses