2021 | United States, Mozambique | Documentary

The Genetics of Tusklessness in Elephants

  • English English, Spanish 10 mins
  • Director | -
  • Writer | Page Buono, Neil Losin
  • Producer | Page Buono

STATUS: Released

This film is currently not available.   

This short educational documentary, produced by HHMI BioInteractive, explores how the aftermath of Mozambique’s civil war led to the rise of tusklessness in African elephants due to poaching pressure. Scientists in Gorongosa National Park uncover the evolutionary and genetic drivers behind this phenomenon, showing how natural selection—accelerated by human activity—favors tuskless females. The film serves as a real-world case study of genetics, inheritance, and evolutionary biology in action.

Evolution Genetics Poaching Tusklessness Elephants
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