Do elephants need to sweat?

Abstract

An adequate rate of evaporative water loss is considered essential for the maintenance of thermal balance in the elephant in warm climatic conditions. Histological studies have failed to reveal the existence of sweat glands in elephant skin. Transepidermal water-loss rate has been measured and shown to be sufficiently high for possible thermal needs. The structure of elephant skin and the behaviour of elephants are seen to contribute towards maintaining skin permeability and the necessary level of transepidermal water loss.