Groups of elephants are typically referred to as herds. Herds are composed of related female elephants and their young, and are led by a matriarch. The matriarch is usually the oldest and most experienced female in the group. Male elephants may join the herd for short periods of time, but they typically leave to form bachelor herds. Herds provide protection and support for the members, and can range in size from two to several hundred elephants.