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Crawley JAH, Nandar H, Zaw HT, Lahdenperä M, Franco dos Santos DJ, Seltmann MW, Brown JL, Goodsell RM, Oo ZM, Htut W, Nyein UK, Aung HH, Lummaa V. Asian elephant calf physiology and mahout perspectives during taming in Myanmar. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231172. [PMID: 38601029 PMCID: PMC11004675 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
A quarter of Asian elephants are captive, with greater than 90% of these tamed and cared for by handlers (mahouts) in Asia. Although taming is a much-discussed welfare issue, no studies to our knowledge have empirically assessed its impact on calves, and dialogue surrounding taming often lacks perspectives of those involved. Here, we interviewed mahouts involved in taming and monitored five physiological measures (faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs), serum cortisol, glucose, creatine kinase (CK) and heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L)) over the first 10 days of taming and following six months in 41 calves undergoing taming and 16 control individuals. These measures assess the duration and intensity of stress during taming. Interviews suggested mahouts had major concerns for their safety when discussing changing taming practices, an important consideration for future management. Calf physiological measures were elevated by 50-70% (FGMs/cortisol/glucose), 135% (H:L) and greater than 500% (CK) over the first few days of taming, indicative of elevated stress, not seen to the same extent in control adults. Some measures stabilized sooner (glucose/cortisol/CK/FGM: 7-10 days) than others (H:L: one-two months), indicating mostly acute stress. Our findings inform the welfare of approximately 15 000 captive elephants around the world. Future studies should compare taming in different populations and consider calf and mahout welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hnin Nandar
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Yangon11011, Myanmar
- Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, , Yunnan650023, People's Republic of China
| | - Htet T. Zaw
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Yangon11011, Myanmar
| | - Mirkka Lahdenperä
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku20014, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku20521, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku20521, Finland
| | | | | | - Janine L. Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA22630, USA
| | - Robert M. Goodsell
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, SheffieldS10 2TN, UK
- Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm 4011418, Sweden
| | - Zaw M. Oo
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Yangon11011, Myanmar
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Yangon11011, Myanmar
| | - U. K. Nyein
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Yangon11011, Myanmar
| | | | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku20014, Finland
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2
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de Silva S, Wu T, Nyhus P, Weaver A, Thieme A, Johnson J, Wadey J, Mossbrucker A, Vu T, Neang T, Chen BS, Songer M, Leimgruber P. Land-use change is associated with multi-century loss of elephant ecosystems in Asia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5996. [PMID: 37105960 PMCID: PMC10140153 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30650-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding historic patterns of land use and land cover change across large temporal and spatial scales is critical for developing effective biodiversity conservation management and policy. We quantify the extent and fragmentation of suitable habitat across the continental range of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) based on present-day occurrence data and land-use variables between 850 and 2015 A.D. We found that following centuries of relative stability, over 64% (3.36 million km2) of suitable elephant habitat across Asia was lost since the year 1700, coincident with colonial-era land-use practices in South Asia and subsequent agricultural intensification in Southeast Asia. Average patch size dropped 83% from approximately 99,000-16,000 km2 and the area occupied by the largest patch decreased 83% from ~ 4 million km2 (45% of area) to 54,000 km2 (~ 7.5% of area). Whereas 100% of the area within 100 km of the current elephant range could have been considered suitable habitat in the year 1700, over half was unsuitable by 2015, driving potential conflict with people. These losses reflect long-term decline of non-forested ecosystems, exceeding estimates of deforestation within this century. Societies must consider ecological histories in addition to proximate threats to develop more just and sustainable land-use and conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shermin de Silva
- Trunks and Leaves Inc., 82 Wendell Avenue, STE 100, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, USA.
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA.
- Department of Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Tiffany Wu
- Environmental Studies Program, Colby College, Waterville, ME, USA
| | - Philip Nyhus
- Environmental Studies Program, Colby College, Waterville, ME, USA
| | - Ashley Weaver
- Environmental Studies Program, Colby College, Waterville, ME, USA
| | - Alison Thieme
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
- United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Josiah Johnson
- Environmental Studies Program, Colby College, Waterville, ME, USA
| | - Jamie Wadey
- School of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Thinh Vu
- Department of Wildlife Management, Vietnam National University of Forestry, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thy Neang
- Wild Earth Allies, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Melissa Songer
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
| | - Peter Leimgruber
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA
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3
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Jackson J, Le Coeur C, Jones O. Life-history predicts global population responses to the weather in terrestrial mammals. eLife 2022; 11:74161. [PMID: 35775734 PMCID: PMC9307275 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
With the looming threat of abrupt ecological disruption due to a changing climate, predicting which species are most vulnerable to environmental change is critical. The life-history of a species is an evolved response to its environmental context, and therefore a promising candidate for explaining differences in climate-change responses. However, we need broad empirical assessments from across the world's ecosystems to explore the link between life history and climate-change responses. Here, we use long-term abundance records from 157 species of terrestrial mammals and a two-step Bayesian meta-regression framework to investigate the link between annual weather anomalies, population growth rates, and species-level life history. Overall, we found no directional effect of temperature or precipitation anomalies or variance on annual population growth rates. Furthermore, population responses to weather anomalies were not predicted by phylogenetic covariance, and instead there was more variability in weather responses for populations within a species. Crucially, however, long-lived mammals with smaller litter sizes had smaller absolute population responses to weather anomalies compared with their shorter living counterparts with larger litters. These results highlight the role of species-level life history in driving responses to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Jackson
- 2.Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Owen Jones
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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4
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POINT-OF-CARE AND STANDARD LABORATORY REFERENCE INTERVALS FOR COAGULATION VALUES IN ASIAN ELEPHANTS ( ELEPHAS MAXIMUS): VARIATION BY AGE CLASS, SEX, AND TIME TO CENTRIFUGATION. J Zoo Wildl Med 2022; 53:291-301. [PMID: 35758571 DOI: 10.1638/2021-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus causes significant calf mortality. Coagulation testing may aid veterinarians in early identification and management of hemostatic disorders. This study sought to establish reference intervals for select coagulation and platelet values. Blood was collected from clinically healthy Asian elephants (n = 63) in juvenile (≤15 yr old, n = 9), adult (>15 to ≤50 yr old, n = 41), and geriatric (>50 yr old, n = 13) age classes at seven institutions in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. Activated clotting time (ACT) was immediately assessed with a handheld analyzer, whereas remaining blood was stored at 5°C in sodium citrate and potassium EDTA collection tubes and transported to a central laboratory. Coagulation values were assessed on an automated blood coagulation analyzer, and platelet values were assessed on a hematology analyzer. Reference intervals were established for ACT, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and plateletcrit according to the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. No significant differences were observed for any value when comparing sex and time to centrifugation. Plasma fibrinogen (P = 0.002) and platelets (P = 0.003) varied significantly by age class, with adults displaying the highest fibrinogen concentrations and geriatric individuals displaying the lowest platelet counts. The ACT kaolin cartridges resulted in high success rates (84.3% feasibility) compared with celite cartridges (4.8% feasibility). Further studies are warranted to stratify reference intervals in accordance with age class trends.
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Harvey Sky N, Jackson J, Chege G, Gaymer J, Kimiti D, Mutisya S, Nakito S, Shultz S. Female reproductive skew exacerbates the extinction risk from poaching in the eastern black rhino. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220075. [PMID: 35414243 PMCID: PMC9006021 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Variation in individual demographic rates can have large consequences for populations. Female reproductive skew is an example of structured demographic heterogeneity where females have intrinsic qualities that make them more or less likely to breed. The consequences of reproductive skew for population dynamics are poorly understood in non-cooperatively breeding mammals, especially when coupled with other drivers such as poaching. We address this knowledge gap with population viability analyses using an age-specific, female-only, individual-based, stochastic population model built with long-term data for three Kenyan populations of the Critically Endangered eastern black rhino (Diceros bicornis michaeli). There was substantial reproductive skew, with a high proportion of females not breeding or doing so at very low rates. This had a large impact on the projected population growth rate for the smaller population on Ol Jogi. Moreover, including female reproductive skew exacerbates the effects of poaching, increasing the probability of extinction by approximately 70% under a simulated poaching pressure of 5% offtake per year. Tackling the effects of reproductive skew depends on whether it is mediated by habitat or social factors, with potential strategies including habitat and biological management respectively. Investigating and tackling reproductive skew in other species requires long-term, individual-level data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Harvey Sky
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.,North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Caughall Road, Chester CH2 1LH, UK
| | - John Jackson
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Geoffrey Chege
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, PO Box, Private Bag, Isiolo 60300, Kenya
| | | | - David Kimiti
- Grevy's Zebra Trust, PO Box 15351-00509, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Simon Nakito
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy, PO Box 167, Nanyuki, Kenya
| | - Susanne Shultz
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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6
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Schulte BA, LaDue CA. The Chemical Ecology of Elephants: 21st Century Additions to Our Understanding and Future Outlooks. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2860. [PMID: 34679881 PMCID: PMC8532676 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical signals are the oldest and most ubiquitous means of mediating intra- and interspecific interactions. The three extant species of elephants, the Asian elephant and the two African species, savanna and forest share sociobiological patterns in which chemical signals play a vital role. Elephants emit secretions and excretions and display behaviors that reveal the importance of odors in their interactions. In this review, we begin with a brief introduction of research in elephant chemical ecology leading up to the 21st century, and then we summarize the body of work that has built upon it and occurred in the last c. 20 years. The 21st century has expanded our understanding on elephant chemical ecology, revealing their use of odors to detect potential threats and make dietary choices. Furthermore, complementary in situ and ex situ studies have allowed the careful observations of captive elephants to be extended to fieldwork involving their wild counterparts. While important advances have been made in the 21st century, further work should investigate the roles of chemical signaling in elephants and how these signals interact with other sensory modalities. All three elephant species are threatened with extinction, and we suggest that chemical ecology can be applied for targeted conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A. Schulte
- Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
| | - Chase A. LaDue
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
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7
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Berger V, Reichert S, Lahdenperä M, Jackson J, Htut W, Lummaa V. The elephant in the family: Costs and benefits of elder siblings on younger offspring life-history trajectory in a matrilineal mammal. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2663-2677. [PMID: 34545574 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Many mammals grow up with siblings, and interactions between them can influence offspring phenotype and fitness. Among these interactions, sibling competition between different-age offspring should lead to reproductive and survival costs on the younger sibling, while sibling cooperation should improve younger sibling's reproductive potential and survival. However, little is known about the consequences of sibling effects on younger offspring life-history trajectory, especially in long-lived mammals. We take advantage of a large, multigenerational demographic dataset from semi-captive Asian elephants to investigate how the presence and sex of elder siblings influence the sex, survival until 5 years old, body condition, reproductive success (i.e. age at first reproduction and lifetime reproductive success) and long-term survival of subsequent offspring. We find that elder siblings have heterogeneous effects on subsequent offspring life-history traits depending on their presence, their sex and the sex of the subsequent offspring (named focal calf). Overall, the presence of an elder sibling (either sex) strongly increased focal calf long-term survival (either sex) compared to sibling absence. However, elder sisters had higher impact on the focal sibling than elder brothers. Focal females born after a female display higher long-term survival, and decreased age at first reproduction when raised together with an elder sister rather than a brother. Focal males born after a female rather than a male showed lower survival but higher body weight when both were raised together. We did not detect any sibling effects on the sex of the focal calf sex, survival until 5 years old and lifetime reproductive success. Our results highlight the general complexity of sibling effects, but broadly that elder siblings can influence the life-history trajectory of subsequent offspring. We also stress the importance of considering all life stages when evaluating sibling effects on life trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vérane Berger
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sophie Reichert
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mirkka Lahdenperä
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - John Jackson
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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8
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Jacobs B, Rally H, Doyle C, O'Brien L, Tennison M, Marino L. Putative neural consequences of captivity for elephants and cetaceans. Rev Neurosci 2021; 33:439-465. [PMID: 34534428 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The present review assesses the potential neural impact of impoverished, captive environments on large-brained mammals, with a focus on elephants and cetaceans. These species share several characteristics, including being large, wide-ranging, long-lived, cognitively sophisticated, highly social, and large-brained mammals. Although the impact of the captive environment on physical and behavioral health has been well-documented, relatively little attention has been paid to the brain itself. Here, we explore the potential neural consequences of living in captive environments, with a focus on three levels: (1) The effects of environmental impoverishment/enrichment on the brain, emphasizing the negative neural consequences of the captive/impoverished environment; (2) the neural consequences of stress on the brain, with an emphasis on corticolimbic structures; and (3) the neural underpinnings of stereotypies, often observed in captive animals, underscoring dysregulation of the basal ganglia and associated circuitry. To this end, we provide a substantive hypothesis about the negative impact of captivity on the brains of large mammals (e.g., cetaceans and elephants) and how these neural consequences are related to documented evidence for compromised physical and psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bob Jacobs
- Laboratory of Quantitative Neuromorphology, Neuroscience Program, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, USA
| | - Heather Rally
- Foundation to Support Animal Protection, Norfolk, VA, 23510, USA
| | - Catherine Doyle
- Performing Animal Welfare Society, P.O. Box 849, Galt, CA, 95632, USA
| | - Lester O'Brien
- Palladium Elephant Consulting Inc., 2408 Pinewood Dr. SE, Calgary, AB, T2B1S4, Canada
| | - Mackenzie Tennison
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Lori Marino
- Whale Sanctuary Project, Kanab, UT, 84741, USA
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9
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Liehrmann O, Crawley JAH, Seltmann MW, Feillet S, Nyein UK, Aung HH, Htut W, Lahdenperä M, Lansade L, Lummaa V. Handler familiarity helps to improve working performance during novel situations in semi-captive Asian elephants. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15480. [PMID: 34326446 PMCID: PMC8322261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95048-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Working animals spend hours each day in close contact with humans and require training to understand commands and fulfil specific tasks. However, factors driving cooperation between humans and animals are still unclear, and novel situations may present challenges that have been little-studied to-date. We investigated factors driving cooperation between humans and animals in a working context through behavioural experiments with 52 working semi-captive Asian elephants. Human-managed Asian elephants constitute approximately a third of the remaining Asian elephants in the world, the majority of which live in their range countries working alongside traditional handlers. We investigated how the familiarity and experience of the handler as well as the elephant's age and sex affected their responses when asked to perform a basic task and to cross a novel surface. The results highlighted that when novelty is involved in a working context, an elephant's relationship length with their handler can affect their cooperation: elephants who had worked with their handler for over a year were more willing to cross the novel surface than those who had a shorter relationship with their handler. Older animals also tended to refuse to walk on the novel surface more but the sex did not affect their responses. Our study contributes much needed knowledge on human-working animal relationships which should be considered when adjusting training methods and working habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Océane Liehrmann
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland.
| | | | | | - Sherine Feillet
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - U Kyaw Nyein
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, Insein Township, Yangon, 11011, Myanmar
| | - Htoo Htoo Aung
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, Insein Township, Yangon, 11011, Myanmar
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, Insein Township, Yangon, 11011, Myanmar
| | - Mirkka Lahdenperä
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Léa Lansade
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland
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10
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Crawley JAH, Liehrmann O, Franco dos Santos DJ, Brown J, Nyein UK, Aung HH, Htut W, Oo ZM, Seltmann MW, Webb JL, Lahdenperä M, Lummaa V. Influence of handler relationships and experience on health parameters, glucocorticoid responses and behaviour of semi-captive Asian elephants. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coaa116. [PMID: 34676079 PMCID: PMC8528106 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Declining wild populations combined with accumulating captive populations of e.g. livestock, pets, draught and zoo animals have resulted in some threatened species with substantial proportions of their populations in captivity. The interactions animals have with humans in captivity depend on handler familiarity and relationship quality and can affect animal health, growth and reproduction with consequences for the success of conservation programmes. However, assessments of how specific human-animal relationships affect a range of physiological and behavioural outcomes are rare. Here, we studied semi-captive Asian elephants with detailed records of elephant-handler (mahout) relationships and veterinary management, allowing assessment of multiple welfare indicators in relation to specific mahout-elephant relationship lengths and mahout experience. These included measures of physiological stress (faecal glucocorticoid metabolite [FGM], heterophil:lymphocyte ratio [H:L]), muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK]), immunological health (total white blood cell count [TWBC]) and behaviour (response to mahout verbal commands). We found no evidence that FGM or H:L related to aspects of the mahout-elephant relationship. Longer overall mahout experience (i.e. years of being a mahout) was linked to increased muscle damage and inflammation, but the lengths of specific mahout-elephant relationships were inversely associated with muscle damage in working-age elephants. Elephants responded more to familiar mahouts in behavioural tasks and faster to mahouts they had known for longer. In summary, our results found little evidence that the mahout-elephant relationship affects physiological stress in this population based on FGM and H:L, but mahout experience and relationships were linked to other physiological responses (CK, TWBC), and elephants require behavioural adjustment periods following mahout changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A H Crawley
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku,
20014, Finland
| | - O Liehrmann
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku,
20014, Finland
| | | | - J Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation
Biology, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - U K Nyein
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Yangon, 11011 Myanmar
| | - H H Aung
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Yangon, 11011 Myanmar
| | - W Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Yangon, 11011 Myanmar
| | - Z Min Oo
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Yangon, 11011 Myanmar
| | - M W Seltmann
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku,
20014, Finland
| | - J L Webb
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, 23
Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - M Lahdenperä
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University
Hospital, Turku, 20521, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku
University Hospital, Turku, 20521, Finland
| | - V Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku,
20014, Finland
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11
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Franco dos Santos DJ, Berger V, Cristofari R, Htut W, Nyein UK, Aung HH, Reichert S, Lummaa V. Seasonal variation of health in Asian elephants. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa119. [PMID: 33408865 PMCID: PMC7771574 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Long-lived species are often predicted to be buffered against seasonal variation: longevity means low annual mortality and reproductive rates and annual variability in climate may therefore have a smaller impact on population growth rates of long-lived species in comparison to short-lived ones. However, little is known of the physiological mechanisms underlying such patterns in long-lived species. In this study, we investigated seasonal variation in the health of Asian elephants living in a seasonal monsoon climate. We used two complementary methods: (i) global and (ii) trait-by-trait analyses of seasonal effects on 23 health parameters of 225 individually marked elephants with known age and reproductive and health history, with repeated measures per individual over a 26-month period. The global analysis highlighted the biggest differences in health between the hot and monsoon seasons. Our trait-specific analyses identified the physiological functions underlying such health variation in different ecological settings, including haematological, immunological, muscular, kidney and liver functions, as well as protein balance and electrolytes. Overall, the results suggest that even long-lived, large mammals may experience physiological changes in response to seasonal variation that in extreme circumstances can pose a significant health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vérane Berger
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Yliopistonmäki (Vesilinnantie 5) 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Robin Cristofari
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Yliopistonmäki (Vesilinnantie 5) 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, West Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, 11011 Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - U Kyaw Nyein
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, West Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, 11011 Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Htoo Htoo Aung
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, West Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, 11011 Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Sophie Reichert
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Yliopistonmäki (Vesilinnantie 5) 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Yliopistonmäki (Vesilinnantie 5) 20014 Turku, Finland
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12
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SEX DIFFERENCES IN THE REFERENCE INTERVALS OF HEALTH PARAMETERS IN SEMICAPTIVE ASIAN ELEPHANTS ( ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) FROM MYANMAR. J Zoo Wildl Med 2020; 51:25-38. [PMID: 32212543 DOI: 10.1638/2018-0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The reference intervals of health parameters are valuable tools for veterinarians and conservationists to monitor the health status and viability of endangered species. Natural variation in the health of the long-lived Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is poorly understood, particularly in relation to differences between males and females. Longitudinal health data were collected from clinical examination, hematology, and serum chemistry analyses over 3 yr from 227 healthy individually marked Asian elephants varying in age and sex. The study population was semicaptive and used in Myanmar's timber industry, but maintained natural feeding and breeding behavior. Body condition score (BCS) and blood pressure were investigated in clinical examinations. Hematological parameters included hematocrit, hemoglobin, total white blood cell count, and differential blood cell counts. Serum chemistry parameters included blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulins, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, creatine kinase, glucose, calcium, potassium, sodium, and chloride. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first description of BCS in an elephant population outside of zoos, and of blood pressure in this species using a novel adaptation of the Intelli Wrap Cuff pressure monitor. Several differences between the sexes were observed, with females generally having higher BCS and triglycerides, and males displaying higher alkaline phosphatase and glucose levels. This study provides important clinical tools that can be used to assess the health status and improve management in this endangered species.
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Jackson J, Mar KU, Htut W, Childs DZ, Lummaa V. Changes in age-structure over four decades were a key determinant of population growth rate in a long-lived mammal. J Anim Ecol 2020; 89:2268-2278. [PMID: 32592591 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A changing environment directly influences birth and mortality rates, and thus population growth rates. However, population growth rates in the short term are also influenced by population age-structure. Despite its importance, the contribution of age-structure to population growth rates has rarely been explored empirically in wildlife populations with long-term demographic data. Here we assessed how changes in age-structure influenced short-term population dynamics in a semi-captive population of Asian elephants Elephas maximus. We addressed this question using a demographic dataset of female Asian elephants from timber camps in Myanmar spanning 45 years (1970-2014). First, we explored temporal variation in age-structure. Then, using annual matrix population models, we used a retrospective approach to assess the contributions of age-structure and vital rates to short-term population growth rates with respect to the average environment. Age-structure was highly variable over the study period, with large proportions of juveniles in the years 1970 and 1985, and made a substantial contribution to annual population growth rate deviations. High adult birth rates between 1970 and 1980 would have resulted in large positive population growth rates, but these were prevented by a low proportion of reproductive-aged females. We highlight that an understanding of both age-specific vital rates and age-structure is needed to assess short-term population dynamics. Furthermore, this example from a human-managed system suggests that the importance of age-structure may be accentuated in populations experiencing human disturbance where age-structure is unstable, such as those in captivity or for endangered species. Ultimately, changes to the environment drive population dynamics by influencing birth and mortality rates, but understanding demographic structure is crucial for assessing population growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Jackson
- Department of Biology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Population Dynamics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark.,Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Khyne U Mar
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Conservation, Gyogone Forest Compound, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Dylan Z Childs
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Dierenfeld ES, Han YAM, Mar KU, Aung A, Soe AT, Lummaa V, Lahdenperä M. Milk Composition of Asian Elephants ( Elephas maximus) in a Natural Environment in Myanmar during Late Lactation. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040725. [PMID: 32331387 PMCID: PMC7222762 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The nutritional content of milk from free-living Asian elephants has not previously been reported, despite being vital for better management of captive populations. This study analyzed both milk composition and consumed plant species of Asian elephants managed in their natural environment in Myanmar. Longitudinal samples (n = 36) were obtained during both the wet and the dry season from six mature females in mid to late lactation in 2016 and 2017. Milk composition averaged 82.44% water, with 17.56% total solids containing 5.23% protein, 15.10% fat, 0.87% ash, and 0.18 µg/mL vitamin E. Solids and protein increased with lactation month. Total protein in milk was higher during the wet vs. the dry season. Observed factors linked with maternal (age, parity, size and origin) and calf traits (sex) had significant associations with milk nutrient levels. Primary forages consumed contained moderate protein and fiber. Higher dietary protein during the wet season (11-25%) compared to the dry season (6-19%) may be linked with increased milk protein observed. Our results call for further field studies of milk and diet composition, over entire seasons/lactation periods, and across maternal and calf traits, to improve feeding management, with an overall goal of maximized health and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen S. Dierenfeld
- Ellen S. Dierenfeld, LLC, St. Louis, MO 63128, USA
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell NG25 0QF, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-314-717-3885
| | - Yadana A. M. Han
- Department of Medical Research (Pyin-Oo-Lwin Branch), Pyin-Oo-Lwin 05081, Myanmar;
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin 05282, Myanmar;
| | - Khyne U. Mar
- Veterinarians International, One Penn Plaza, Suite 6337, New York, NY 10119, USA;
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Aung Aung
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin 05282, Myanmar;
| | - Aung Thura Soe
- Extraction Department, Magway Region, Myanma Timber Enterprise, Magwe 0411, Myanmar;
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland;
| | - Mirkka Lahdenperä
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland;
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Reichert S, Berger V, Jackson J, Chapman SN, Htut W, Mar KU, Lummaa V. Maternal age at birth shapes offspring life-history trajectory across generations in long-lived Asian elephants. J Anim Ecol 2020; 89:996-1007. [PMID: 31222736 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Advanced maternal age at birth can have pronounced consequences for offspring health, survival and reproduction. If carried over to the next generation, such fitness effects could have important implications for population dynamics and the evolution of ageing, but these remain poorly understood. While many laboratory studies have investigated maternal age effects, relatively few studies have been conducted in natural populations, and they usually only present a "snapshot" of an offspring's lifetime. In the present study, we focus on how maternal age influences offspring life-history trajectories and performance in a long-lived mammal. We use a multigenerational demographic dataset of semi-captive Asian elephants to investigate maternal age effects on several offspring life-history traits: condition, reproductive success and overall survival. We show that offspring born to older mothers display reduced overall survival but higher reproductive success, and reduced survival of their own progeny. Our results show evidence of a persistent effect of maternal age on fitness across generations in a long-lived mammal. By highlighting transgenerational effects on the fitness of the next generation associated with maternal age, the present study helps increase our understanding of factors contributing to individual variation in ageing rates and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Reichert
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Vérane Berger
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - John Jackson
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Win Htut
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Myanma Timber Enterprise, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khyne U Mar
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Abstract
Understanding factors preventing populations of endangered species from being self-sustaining is vital for successful conservation, but we often lack sufficient data to understand dynamics. The global Asian elephant population has halved since the 1950s, however >25% currently live in captivity and effective management is essential to maintain viable populations. Here, we study the largest semi-captive Asian elephant population, those of the Myanma timber industry (~20% global captive population), whose population growth is heavily limited by juvenile mortality. We assess factors associated with increased mortality of calves aged 4.0–5.5 years, the taming age in Myanmar, a process affecting ~15,000 captive elephants to varying degrees worldwide. Using longitudinal survival data of 1,947 taming-aged calves spanning 43 years, we showed that calf mortality risk increased by >50% at the taming age of four, a peak not seen in previous studies on wild African elephants. Calves tamed at younger ages experienced higher mortality risk, as did calves with less experienced mothers. Taming-age survival greatly improved after 2000, tripling since the 1970’s. Management should focus on reducing risks faced by vulnerable individuals such as young and first-born calves to further improve survival. Changes associated with reduced mortality here are important targets for improving the sustainability of captive populations.
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Evaluating the Reliability of Non-Specialist Observers in the Behavioural Assessment of Semi-Captive Asian Elephant Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10010167. [PMID: 31963758 PMCID: PMC7022305 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary It is essential that elephant workers monitor the stress levels of their animals to uphold high standards of welfare. This can be done quickly and efficiently by observing elephant behaviour, however, the consistency of this approach is likely to vary between workers. While this variation has been tested in zoo elephants when observations were carried out by experienced observers, the consistency of observations made by non-experienced observers on the much larger population of Asian elephants working in Southeast Asia has yet to be explored. By constructing a list of elephant working behaviours, we employed three volunteer observers with no experience of elephant research to record the behaviour of Asian elephants working in Myanmar. We then tested the similarity between observations collected by the three observers, as well as the consistency that individual observers could repeatedly recognise the same behaviour. Overall, observers recognised the same behaviour from the videos and were highly consistent across repeated observations. These results suggest that the behaviours tested may represent useful indicators for welfare assessment, and that non-experienced observers can meaningfully contribute to the monitoring of elephant welfare. Abstract Recognising stress is an important component in maintaining the welfare of captive animal populations, and behavioural observation provides a rapid and non-invasive method to do this. Despite substantial testing in zoo elephants, there has been relatively little interest in the application of behavioural assessments to the much larger working populations of Asian elephants across Southeast Asia, which are managed by workers possessing a broad range of behavioural knowledge. Here, we developed a new ethogram of potential stress- and work-related behaviour for a semi-captive population of Asian elephants. We then used this to collect observations from video footage of over 100 elephants and evaluated the reliability of behavioural welfare assessments carried out by non-specialist observers. From observations carried out by different raters with no prior experience of elephant research or management, we tested the reliability of observations between-observers, to assess the general inter-observer agreement, and within-observers, to assess the consistency in behaviour identification. The majority of ethogram behaviours were highly reliable both between- and within-observers, suggesting that overall, behaviour was highly objective and could represent easily recognisable markers for behavioural assessments. Finally, we analysed the repeatability of individual elephant behaviour across behavioural contexts, demonstrating the importance of incorporating a personality element in welfare assessments. Our findings highlight the potential of non-expert observers to contribute to the reliable monitoring of Asian elephant welfare across large captive working populations, which may help to both improve elephant wellbeing and safeguard human workers.
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Seltmann MW, Ukonaho S, Reichert S, Dos Santos D, Nyein UK, Htut W, Lummaa V. Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites and H/L Ratio are Related Markers of Stress in Semi-Captive Asian Timber Elephants. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10010094. [PMID: 31935980 PMCID: PMC7023510 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Animals are kept in captivity for various reasons worldwide. Throughout its range countries, the Asian elephant is used for various purposes, with a significant proportion of the remaining population working as draft and transport animals in the timber industry. However, captivity can also lead to compromises in welfare that need to be quantified for successful intervention. A key way of assessing an animal’s well-being in wildlife and zoo biology is to measure its stress. Previous studies have found positive, negative, or no relationship between two commonly used measures of stress: stress hormones and the ratio of two types of white blood cells—heterophils to lymphocytes. Our study is one of the first to show a positive and consistent link between these two measures in semi-captive Asian elephants from Myanmar, irrespective of sex, age, or environmental context. Our results show that using the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio from blood smears on-site may offer a potentially cheaper and faster way to determine stress than measuring faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in the laboratory. Abstract Animals are kept in captivity for various reasons, but species with a slower pace of life may adapt to captive environments less easily, leading to welfare concerns and the need to assess stress reliably in order to develop effective interventions. Our aim was to assess welfare of semi-captive timber elephants from Myanmar by investigating the relationship between two physiological markers of stress commonly used as proxies for welfare, faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations (FGM) and heterophil/lymphocyte ratios (H/L), and link these measures to changes in body condition (determined by body weight). We further assessed how robustly these two markers of stress performed in animals of different age or sex, or in different ecological contexts. We measured FGM concentrations and H/L ratios between 2016 and 2018 from 316 samples of 75 females and 49 males ranging in age from 4 to 68. We found a positive and consistent link between FGMs and H/L ratios in Asian elephants, irrespective of their sex, age, or ecological context. Our results will help to inform managers of (semi-) captive elephants about using heterophil/lymphocyte ratio data from blood smears on site as a potentially cheaper and faster alternative to determining stress than measuring faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin W. Seltmann
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland; (S.U.); (S.R.); (D.D.S.); (V.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Susanna Ukonaho
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland; (S.U.); (S.R.); (D.D.S.); (V.L.)
| | - Sophie Reichert
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland; (S.U.); (S.R.); (D.D.S.); (V.L.)
| | - Diogo Dos Santos
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland; (S.U.); (S.R.); (D.D.S.); (V.L.)
| | - U Kyaw Nyein
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar; (U.K.N.); (W.H.)
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar; (U.K.N.); (W.H.)
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland; (S.U.); (S.R.); (D.D.S.); (V.L.)
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Chapman SN, Jackson J, Htut W, Lummaa V, Lahdenperä M. Asian elephants exhibit post-reproductive lifespans. BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:193. [PMID: 31638893 PMCID: PMC6805341 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1513-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The existence of extended post-reproductive lifespan is an evolutionary puzzle, and its taxonomic prevalence is debated. One way of measuring post-reproductive life is with post-reproductive representation, the proportion of adult years lived by females after cessation of reproduction. Analyses of post-reproductive representation in mammals have claimed that only humans and some toothed whale species exhibit extended post-reproductive life, but there are suggestions of a post-reproductive stage for false killer whales and Asian elephants. Here, we investigate the presence of post-reproductive lifespan in Asian elephants using an extended demographic dataset collected from semi-captive timber elephants in Myanmar. Furthermore, we investigate the sensitivity of post-reproductive representation values to availability of long-term data over 50 years. RESULTS We find support for the presence of an extended post-reproductive stage in Asian elephants, and that post-reproductive representation and its underlying demographic rates depend on the length of study period in a long-lived animal. CONCLUSIONS The extended post-reproductive lifespan is unlikely due to physiological reproductive cessation, and may instead be driven by mating preferences or condition-dependent fertility. Our results also show that it is crucial to revisit such population measures in long-lived species as more data is collected, and if the typical lifespan of the species exceeds the initial study period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Jackson
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Conservation, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Lahdenperä M, Jackson J, Htut W, Lummaa V. Capture from the wild has long-term costs on reproductive success in Asian elephants. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20191584. [PMID: 31594514 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Capturing wild animals is common for conservation, economic or research purposes. Understanding how capture itself affects lifetime fitness measures is often difficult because wild and captive populations live in very different environments and there is a need for long-term life-history data. Here, we show how wild capture influences reproduction in 2685 female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) used in the timber industry in Myanmar. Wild-caught females demonstrated a consistent reduction in breeding success relative to captive-born females, with significantly lower lifetime reproduction probabilities, lower breeding probabilities at peak reproductive ages and a later age of first reproduction. Furthermore, these negative effects lasted for over a decade, and there was a significant influence on the next generation: wild-caught females had calves with reduced survival to age 5. Our results suggest that wild capture has long-term consequences for reproduction, which is important not only for elephants, but also for other species in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Jackson
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Conservation, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
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Jackson J, Childs DZ, Mar KU, Htut W, Lummaa V. Long-term trends in wild-capture and population dynamics point to an uncertain future for captive elephants. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20182810. [PMID: 30900534 PMCID: PMC6452069 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining sustainable populations in captivity without supplementation through wild-capture is a major challenge in conservation that zoos and aquaria are working towards. However, the capture of wild animals continues for many purposes where conservation is not the primary focus. Wild-capture hinders long-term conservation goals by reducing remaining wild populations, but the direct and long-term indirect consequences of wild-capture for captive population viability are rarely addressed using longitudinal data. We explored the implications of changes in wild-capture on population dynamics in captivity over 54 years using a multi-generational studbook of working Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus) from Myanmar, the largest remaining captive elephant population. Here we show that population growth and birth rates declined between 1960 and 2014 with declines in wild-capture. Importantly, wild-caught females had reduced birth rates and a higher mortality risk. However, despite the disadvantages of wild-capture, the population may not be sustainable without it, with immediate declines owing to an unstable age-structure that may last for 50 years. Our results highlight the need to assess the long-term demographic consequences of wild-capture to ensure the sustainability of captive and wild populations as species are increasingly managed and conserved in altered or novel environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Jackson
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Dylan Z. Childs
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Khyne U. Mar
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Conservation, Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
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