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Ram AK, Lamichhane BR, Subedi N, Yadav NK, Karki A, Pandav B, Brown C, Khatri TB, Yackulic CB. Dynamic occupancy modelling of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) reveals increasing landscape use in Nepal. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20023. [PMID: 39198461 PMCID: PMC11358544 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70092-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Large mammals with general habitat needs can persist throughout mixed used landscapes, however, human-wildlife conflict frequently leads to their restriction to protected areas. Conservation efforts, especially for reducing conflicts with humans, can enhance tolerance of humans towards species like Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in human-dominated landscapes. Here, we examine how elephant use in the Chure Terai Madhesh Landscape (CTML) covering the entire elephant range of Nepal changed between 2012 and 2020 in relationship to protection status and environmental conditions. We systematically surveyed ~ 42,000 km2 of potential habitat, by dividing the study area into 159 grid cells of 15 × 15 km2 and recorded elephant signs during the cool, dry season in three years (2012, 2018 and 2020). We analyzed the survey data in a single-species, multi-season (dynamic) occupancy modeling framework to test hypotheses regarding the influence of environmental conditions and protected area status on landscape use by elephants over time. The best-supported model included protected area effects on initial use, colonization, and detection probability as well as temporal variation in colonization and detection probability. Initial use and colonization rates were higher in protected areas, however elephants increasingly used cells located both inside and outside the protected areas, and the difference in use between protected areas and outside declined as elephants use became prevalent across most of the landscape. While elephant use was patchily distributed in the first year of surveys consistent with past descriptions of four sub-populations, elephant use consolidated into a western and eastern region in subsequent years with a gap in their distribution occurring between Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks. Our manuscript highlights the increasing landscape use by elephants in both protected areas and areas outside protected areas and suggests that management interventions that focus on reducing conflicts can promote greater use of both protected areas and areas outside of protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar Ram
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal.
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, India.
| | - Babu Ram Lamichhane
- National Trust for Nature Conservation, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
- USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal), Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Naresh Subedi
- National Trust for Nature Conservation, Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Nabin Kumar Yadav
- Ministry of Forests and Environment, Madhesh Pradesh, Janakpur, Nepal
| | - Ajay Karki
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | | | - Cory Brown
- US Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Top B Khatri
- Ecosystem Based Adaptation Program (EBA) II, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Charles B Yackulic
- Southwest Biological Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, AZ, USA.
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Roos T, Purdon A, Boult V, Delsink A, Mitchell B, Kilian PJ. Movement patterns of two reintegrated African elephant ( Loxodonta africana) herds: transitioning from captivity to free-living. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17535. [PMID: 38854797 PMCID: PMC11162612 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
With the escalating challenges in captive elephant management, the study of elephant reintegration emerges as a pivotal area of research, primarily addressing the enhancement of animal welfare. The term 'reintegration' refers to the process of rehabilitating captive elephants to a natural system, allowing them to roam freely without intensive human intervention. There is a relative paucity of research addressing the behavioural adaptations post-reintegration, despite reintegration of over 20 elephants across various fenced reserves in South Africa. Our study centres on two distinct herds of reintegrated African elephants, monitoring their movement patterns in two South African reserves over a 57-month period post-release. The primary goal of the study was to establish whether the flexibility and adaptability of movement behaviour of reintegrated elephants can be considered as one of the indicators of determining the success of such an operation. The second aim of our study was to investigate if the reintegrated elephants demonstrated an adaptability to their environment through their hourly, daily, and seasonal ranging patterns after a period of free roaming that exceeded 4 years. Our findings indicated that reintegrated elephants, much like their wild counterparts (movement based on literature), displayed notable seasonal and diurnal variations in key movement parameters, such as utilisation distribution areas and reserve utilization. These patterns changed over time, reflecting an adaptive shift in movement patterns after several years of free roaming. Notably, the trajectory of changes in movement parameters varied between herds, indicating unique adaptation responses, likely resulting from differences in the reintegration process (familiarity of reserve, season of release, presence of wild elephants). Although our study is constrained by the limited number of reintegrated herds available for analysis, it underscores the potential of captive elephants to successfully adapt to a free-living environment, emphasising the promising implications of reintegration initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenisha Roos
- Elephant Reintegration Trust, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Andrew Purdon
- M.A.P Scientific Services, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Victoria Boult
- Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Audrey Delsink
- Humane Society International-Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brett Mitchell
- Elephant Reintegration Trust, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, South Africa
| | - Petrus Johannes Kilian
- Elephant Reintegration Trust, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- !Khamab Kalahari Reserve, Tosca, North West, South Africa
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Hahn NR, Wall J, Deninger‐Snyder K, Tiedeman K, Sairowua W, Goss M, Ndambuki S, Eblate E, Mbise N, Wittemyer G. Crop use structures resource selection strategies for African elephants in a human-dominated landscape. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11574. [PMID: 38919648 PMCID: PMC11196896 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
To conserve wide-ranging species in degraded landscapes, it is essential to understand how the behavior of animals changes in relation to the degree and composition of modification. Evidence suggests that large inter-individual variation exists in the propensity for use of degraded areas and may be driven by both behavioral and landscape factors. The use of cultivated lands by wildlife is of particular interest, given the importance of reducing human-wildlife conflicts and understanding how such areas can function as biodiversity buffers. African elephant space use can be highly influenced by human activity and the degree to which individuals crop-raid. We analyzed GPS data from 56 free-ranging elephants in the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem using resource selection functions (RSFs) to assess how crop use may drive patterns of resource selection and space use within a population. We quantified drivers of similarity in resource selection across individuals using proximity analysis of individual RSF coefficients derived from random forest models. We found wide variation in RSF coefficient values between individuals indicating strongly differentiated resource selection strategies. Proximity assessment indicated the degree of crop use in the dry season, individual repeatability, and time spent in unprotected areas drove similarity in resource selection patterns. Crop selection was also spatially structured in relation to agricultural fragmentation. In areas with low fragmentation, elephants spent less time in crops and selected most strongly for crops further from protected area boundaries, but in areas of high fragmentation, elephants spent twice as much time in crops and selected most strongly for crops closer to the protected area boundary. Our results highlight how individual differences and landscape structure can shape use of agricultural landscapes. We discuss our findings in respect to the conservation challenges of human-elephant conflict and incorporating behavioral variation into human-wildlife coexistence efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Hahn
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Graduate Degree Program in EcologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Jake Wall
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Mara Elephant ProjectNarokKenya
| | - Kristen Deninger‐Snyder
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Grumeti FundMugumu‐SerengetiTanzania
| | - Kate Tiedeman
- Max Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorKonstanzGermany
| | | | | | | | - Ernest Eblate
- Wildlife Research and Training InstituteNaivashaKenya
- Tanzania Wildlife Research InstituteArushaTanzania
| | | | - George Wittemyer
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Save the ElephantsNairobiKenya
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Palei HS, Jangid AK, Hanumant DD, Palei NC, Mishra AK. On the elephant trails: habitat suitability and connectivity for Asian elephants in eastern Indian landscape. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16746. [PMID: 38562998 PMCID: PMC10984178 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Identifying suitable habitats and conserving corridors are crucial to the long-term conservation of large and conflict-prone animals. Being a flagship species, survival of Asian elephants is threatened by human-induced mortality and habitat modification. We aimed to assess the habitat suitability and connectivity of the Asian elephant Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 habitat in the state of Odisha in eastern India. We followed the ensemble of spatial prediction models using species presence data and five environmental variables. We used least-cost path and circuit theory approaches to identify the spatial connectivity between core habitats for Asian elephants. The results revealed that normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI; variable importance 42%) and terrain ruggedness (19%) are the most influential variables for predicting habitat suitability of species within the study area. Our habitat suitability map estimated 14.6% of Odisha's geographical area (c. 22,442 km2) as highly suitable and 13.3% (c. 20,464 km2) as moderate highly suitable. We identified 58 potential linkages to maintain the habitat connectivity across study area. Furthermore, we identified pinch points, bottlenecks, and high centrality links between core habitats. Our study offers management implications for long-term landscape conservation for Asian elephants in Odisha and highlights priority zones that can help maintain spatial links between elephant habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashish Kumar Jangid
- Bisalpur, Pali, Rajasthan, India
- Current affiliation: Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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Huang RM, Maré C, Guldemond RAR, Pimm SL, van Aarde RJ. Protecting and connecting landscapes stabilizes populations of the Endangered savannah elephant. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk2896. [PMID: 38181078 PMCID: PMC10776014 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk2896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The influence of protected areas on the growth of African savannah elephant populations is inadequately known. Across southern Africa, elephant numbers grew at 0.16% annually for the past quarter century. Locally, much depends on metapopulation dynamics-the size and connections of individual populations. Population numbers in large, connected, and strictly protected areas typically increased, were less variable from year to year, and suffered less from poaching. Conversely, populations in buffer areas that are less protected but still connected have more variation in growth from year to year. Buffer areas also differed more in their growth rates, likely due to more threats and dispersal opportunities in the face of such dangers. Isolated populations showed consistently high growth due to a lack of emigration. This suggests that "fortress" conservation generally maintains high growth, while anthropogenic-driven source-sink dynamics within connected conservation clusters drive stability in core areas and variability in buffers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Huang
- Conservation Ecology Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Celesté Maré
- Conservation Ecology Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Robert A. R. Guldemond
- Conservation Ecology Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | - Stuart L. Pimm
- Conservation Ecology Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rudi J. van Aarde
- Conservation Ecology Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
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Robertson MR, Olivier LJ, Roberts J, Yonthantham L, Banda C, N’gombwa IB, Dale R, Tiller LN. Testing the Effectiveness of the "Smelly" Elephant Repellent in Controlled Experiments in Semi-Captive Asian and African Savanna Elephants. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3334. [PMID: 37958089 PMCID: PMC10647569 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Crop-raiding by elephants is one of the most prevalent forms of human-elephant conflict and is increasing with the spread of agriculture into wildlife range areas. As the magnitude of conflicts between people and elephants increases across Africa and Asia, mitigating and reducing the impacts of elephant crop-raiding has become a major focus of conservation intervention. In this study, we tested the responses of semi-captive elephants to the "smelly" elephant repellent, a novel olfactory crop-raiding mitigation method. At two trial sites, in Zambia and Thailand, African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) were exposed to the repellent, in order to test whether or not they entered an area protected by the repellent and whether they ate the food provided. The repellent elicited clear reactions from both study groups of elephants compared to control conditions. Generalised linear models revealed that the elephants were more alert, sniffed more, and vocalised more when they encountered the repellent. Although the repellent triggered a response, it did not prevent elephants from entering plots protected by the repellent or from eating crops, unlike in trials conducted with wild elephants. Personality played a role in responses towards the repellent, as the elephants that entered the experimental plots were bolder and more curious individuals. We conclude that, although captive environments provide controlled settings for experimental testing, the ecological validity of testing human-elephant conflict mitigation methods with captive wildlife should be strongly considered. This study also shows that understanding animal behaviour is essential for improving human-elephant coexistence and for designing deterrence mechanisms. Appreciating personality traits in elephants, especially amongst "problem" elephants who have a greater propensity to crop raid, could lead to the design of new mitigation methods designed to target these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa J. Olivier
- Game Rangers International, Plot 2374, The Village, Leopards Hill Road, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (L.J.O.); (C.B.)
| | - John Roberts
- Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, 229 Moo 1, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand; (J.R.); (L.Y.)
| | - Laddawan Yonthantham
- Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, 229 Moo 1, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand; (J.R.); (L.Y.)
| | - Constance Banda
- Game Rangers International, Plot 2374, The Village, Leopards Hill Road, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (L.J.O.); (C.B.)
| | - Innocent B. N’gombwa
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Ministry of Tourism, Chilanga 10101, Zambia;
| | - Rachel Dale
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems an der Donau, Austria;
| | - Lydia N. Tiller
- Amboseli Trust for Elephants, Langata, Nairobi 15135, Kenya;
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, UK
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Li X, Chen J, Zhang C, Zhang S, Shen Q, Wang B, Bao M, Xu B, Wu Q, Han N, Huang Z. Fecal Metagenomics Study Reveals That a Low-Fiber Diet Drives the Migration of Wild Asian Elephants in Xishuangbanna, China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3193. [PMID: 37893918 PMCID: PMC10603651 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rare northward migration of wild Asian elephants in Xishuangbanna, China, has attracted global attention. Elephant migration is a complex ecological process, and the factors driving this long-distance migration remain elusive. In this study, fresh fecal samples were collected from both captive and wild Asian elephants, along with breastfed calves residing within the Wild Elephant Valley of Xishuangbanna. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between diet, gut microbiota, and migration patterns in Asian elephants through comprehensive metagenomic sequencing analyses. Among the breastfed Asian elephant group, Bacteroidales and Escherichia emerged as the dominant bacterial taxa, while the primary carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) enriched in this group were GH2, GH20, GH92, GH97, GH38, GH23, and GH43, aligning with their dietary source, namely breast milk. The bacterial taxa enriched in captive Asian elephants (CAEs) were mainly Butyrivibrio, Treponema, and Fibrobacter, and the enriched lignocellulose-degrading enzymes mainly included GH25, GH10, GH9, and cellulase (EC 3.2.1.4). These findings are consistent with the high-fiber diet of captive elephants. In contrast, the main bacterial taxa enriched in wild Asian elephants (WAEs) were Ruminococcus and Eubacterium, and the enriched CAZymes included GH109, GH20, GH33, GH28, GH106, and GH39. The abundance of lignocellulose-degrading bacteria and CAZyme content was low in WAEs, indicating challenges in processing high-fiber foods and explaining the low-fiber diet in this group. These findings suggest that wild elephant herds migrate in search of nutritionally suitable, low-fiber food sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Development and Utilization of Biomass Energy, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
- Southwest United Graduate School, Kunming 650092, China
| | - Junmin Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Development and Utilization of Biomass Energy, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
- Key Laboratory of Yunnan Provincial Education Department for Plateau Characteristic Food Enzymes, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Chengbo Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Development and Utilization of Biomass Energy, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shuyin Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Development and Utilization of Biomass Energy, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Qingzhong Shen
- Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve Management and Protection Bureau, Jinghong 666100, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve Management and Protection Bureau, Jinghong 666100, China
| | - Mingwei Bao
- Asian Elephant Provenance Breeding and Rescue Center in Xishuangbanna, Jinghong 666100, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Development and Utilization of Biomass Energy, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Development and Utilization of Biomass Energy, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Nanyu Han
- Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Development and Utilization of Biomass Energy, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zunxi Huang
- Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Development and Utilization of Biomass Energy, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
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Cabral de Mel SJ, Seneweera S, Dangolla A, Weerakoon DK, Maraseni T, Allen BL. Attitudes towards the Potential Use of Aversive Geofencing Devices to Manage Wild Elephant Movement. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2657. [PMID: 37627448 PMCID: PMC10451760 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aversive geofencing devices (AGDs) or animal-borne satellite-linked shock collars might become a useful tool to mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC). AGDs have the potential to condition problem elephants to avoid human-dominated landscapes by associating mild electric shocks with preceding audio warnings given as they approach virtual boundaries. We assessed the opinions of different stakeholders (experts, farmers, and others who have and have not experienced HEC; n = 611) on the potential use of AGDs on Asian elephants. Most respondents expressed positive opinions on the potential effectiveness of AGDs in managing elephant movement (62.2%). About 62.8% respondents also provided positive responses for the acceptability of AGDs if pilot studies with captive elephants have been successful in managing their movements. Some respondents perceived AGDs to be unacceptable because they are unethical or harmful and would be unsuccessful given wild elephants may respond differently to AGDs than captive elephants. Respondents identified acceptability, support and awareness of stakeholders, safety and wellbeing of elephants, logistical difficulties, durability and reliable functionality of AGDs, and uncertainties in elephants' responses to AGDs as potential challenges for implementing AGDs. These issues need attention when developing AGDs to increase support from stakeholders and to effectively reduce HEC incidents in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendranie J. Cabral de Mel
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia; (S.J.C.d.M.); (T.M.)
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka;
| | - Saman Seneweera
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka;
- School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ashoka Dangolla
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka;
| | - Devaka K. Weerakoon
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, University of Colombo, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka;
| | - Tek Maraseni
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia; (S.J.C.d.M.); (T.M.)
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Benjamin L. Allen
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia; (S.J.C.d.M.); (T.M.)
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6034, South Africa
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Budd K, Suddychan D, Tyson M, Coudrat CNZ, McWilliam A, Hallam CD, Johnson A, Eggert LS. Effects of a hydropower project on a high-value Asian elephant population. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10353. [PMID: 37502306 PMCID: PMC10368963 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss and fragmentation are leading contributors to the endangered status of species. In 2006, the Nakai Plateau contained the largest known Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) population in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), and the population was among those with the highest genetic diversity reported for Asian elephants. In 2008, completion of the Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric dam inundated much of the Plateau, resulting in the loss of 40% of elephant habitat. We studied elephant presence, movements, and the incidence of human-elephant conflict (HEC) on the Nakai Plateau and surrounding areas from 2004 to 2020, before and for 12 years after dam completion. To examine contemporary population dynamics in the Nakai elephants, we used genetic sampling to compare minimum population numbers, demography, and levels of genetic diversity from the wet and dry seasons in 2018/2019, 10 years after dam completion, with those reported in a pre-dam-completion genetic survey. After dam completion, we found a major increase in HEC locally and the creation of new, serious, and persistent HEC problems as far as 100 km away. While we were unable to compare estimated population sizes before and after dam completion, our data revealed a decrease in genetic diversity, a male-biased sex ratio, and evidence of dispersal from the Plateau by breeding-age females. Our results raise concerns about the long-term viability of this important population as well as that of other species in this region. Given that hydropower projects are of economic importance throughout Laos and elsewhere in southeast Asia, this study has important implications for understanding and mitigating their impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Budd
- Division of Biological SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | | | | | | | - Alex McWilliam
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)BangkokThailand
| | | | - Arlyne Johnson
- Foundations of SuccessBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Nelson Institute for Environmental StudiesUniversity of Wisconsin – MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Lori S. Eggert
- Division of Biological SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
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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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11
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Yang N, Dai X, Wang B, Wen M, Gan Z, Li Z, Duffy KJ. Mapping potential human-elephant conflict hotspots with UAV monitoring data. Glob Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
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12
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Rana AK, Kumar N. Current wildlife crime (Indian scenario): major challenges and prevention approaches. BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2023; 32:1473-1491. [PMID: 37063172 PMCID: PMC10025790 DOI: 10.1007/s10531-023-02577-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The constant depletion of wild flora and fauna in India due to uncontrolled human activities, natural habitat destruction and covert poaching activities is threatening the ecological balance. The poaching and trafficking of wild species in the lure of money as well as fashion has wiped out a range of wildlife species that call for critical attention to tackle this menace. There are many transit routes through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, which are major hubs for wildlife trafficking in India, in both domestic and international markets. The poaching of wild animals and plants slowly erases biodiversity, which in turn affects the survival of humans and other living species. Therefore, there is an urgent need to check ongoing wildlife crimes, raise the number of endangered species, rehabilitate exotic/extinct species and restore natural ecosystems. In this article, we collected wildlife crime data from web portals of various stakeholders, government agencies and authentic news sources, and discuss the current crime trends, challenges, and prevention approaches required to control and restore wildlife biodiversity in India. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10531-023-02577-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Rana
- Division of Biology, Central Forensic Science Laboratory Hyderabad, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Amberpet post, Ramanthapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500013 India
| | - Nishant Kumar
- Quality Control, Bihar, Patna, Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar, Patna, 800001 India
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13
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Sarabian C, Wilkinson A, Sigaud M, Kano F, Tobajas J, Darmaillacq AS, Kalema-Zikusoka G, Plotnik JM, MacIntosh AJJ. Disgust in animals and the application of disease avoidance to wildlife management and conservation. J Anim Ecol 2023. [PMID: 36914973 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Disgust is an adaptive system hypothesized to have evolved to reduce the risk of becoming sick. It is associated with behavioural, cognitive and physiological responses tuned to allow animals to avoid and/or get rid of parasites, pathogens and toxins. Little is known about the mechanisms and outcomes of disease avoidance in wild animals. Furthermore, given the escalation of negative human-wildlife interactions, the translation of such knowledge into the design of evolutionarily relevant conservation and wildlife management strategies is becoming urgent. Contemporary methods in animal ecology and related fields, using direct (sensory cues) or indirect (remote sensing technologies and machine learning) means, provide a flexible toolbox for testing and applying disgust at individual and collective levels. In this review/perspective paper, we provide an empirical framework for testing the adaptive function of disgust and its associated disease avoidance behaviours across species, from the least to the most social, in different habitats. We predict various trade-offs to be at play depending on the social system and ecology of the species. We propose five contexts in which disgust-related avoidance behaviours could be applied, including endangered species rehabilitation, invasive species, crop-raiding, urban pests and animal tourism. We highlight some of the perspectives and current challenges of testing disgust in the wild. In particular, we recommend future studies to consider together disease, predation and competition risks. We discuss the ethics associated with disgust experiments in the above contexts. Finally, we promote the creation of a database gathering disease avoidance evidence in animals and its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Sarabian
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anna Wilkinson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Marie Sigaud
- Centre d'Écologie et des Sciences de la Conservation, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Fumihiro Kano
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jorge Tobajas
- Departamento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | | | - Joshua M Plotnik
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, USA
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14
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Singh A, Nagaraj Kumara H, Mahato S, Dilip Velankar A. Anthropogenic driven range expansion of Asian elephant Elephas maximus in an agricultural landscape and its consequences in South West Bengal, India. J Nat Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2023.126374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
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15
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Chan SCY, Chui SYS, Pretorius Y, Karczmarski L. Estimating population parameters of African elephants: a photographic mark-recapture application in a South African protected area. Mamm Biol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00334-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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16
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Nyirenda VR, Phiri D, Chomba C. Identifying multiple wildlife species-crop interactions using network analysis. J Nat Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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17
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Fencing Can Alter Gene Flow of Asian Elephant Populations within Protected Areas. CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/conservation2040046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asian elephant is mostly confined to mountainous ranges and therefore risks population fragmentation if hard protected area (PA) boundaries near steep slopes prevent movement. We tested whether elephant gene flow is (i) controlled by slope and (ii) affected by the interplay between barriers and slope. We used 176 unique genotypes obtained non-invasively from fresh elephant dung to assess individual-by-individual genetic distance across the Western Ghats of India, a biodiversity hotspot. To assess landscape distance, 36 resistance models were produced by transforming a slope raster. Core areas and corridors were calculated from the raster that provided the best correlation between the genetic and distance matrices. The influence of the closure of PAs on gene flow was examined for one region, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The best resistance raster obtained by transforming the slope occupancy model was better than Euclidean distance for explaining genetic distance, indicating that slope partially controls gene flow. Fencing elephant PAs on hilly terrain reduces core areas and disrupts corridors. Consequently, hard PA boundaries abutting slopes can fragment elephant populations, but this can be ameliorated by protecting the adjacent flatter terrain.
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18
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Cabral de Mel SJ, Seneweera S, de Mel RK, Medawala M, Abeysinghe N, Dangolla A, Weerakoon DK, Maraseni T, Allen BL. Virtual Fencing of Captive Asian Elephants Fitted With An Aversive Geofencing Device to Manage Their Movement. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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19
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Matata MT, Kegamba JJ, Mremi R, Eustace A. Electrified fencing as a mitigation strategy for human-elephant conflict in Western Serengeti: Community perspectives. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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20
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McMillan NA, Fuhlendorf SD, Luttbeg B, Goodman LE, Davis CA, Allred BW, Hamilton RG. Bison movements change with weather: Implications for their continued conservation in the Anthropocene. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9586. [PMID: 36514548 PMCID: PMC9731910 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal movement patterns are affected by complex interactions between biotic and abiotic landscape conditions, and these patterns are being altered by weather variability associated with a changing climate. Some animals, like the American plains bison (Bison bison L.; hereafter, plains bison), are considered keystone species, thus their response to weather variability may alter ecosystem structure and biodiversity patterns. Many movement studies of plains bison and other ungulates have focused on point-pattern analyses (e.g., resource-selection) that have provided information about where these animals move, but information about when or why these animals move is limited. For example, information surrounding the influence of weather on plains bison movement in response to weather is limited but has important implications for their conservation in a changing climate. To explore how movement distance is affected by weather patterns and drought, we utilized 12-min GPS data from two of the largest plains bison herds in North America to model their response to weather and drought parameters using generalized additive mixed models. Distance moved was best predicted by air temperature, wind speed, and rainfall. However, air temperature best explained the variation in distance moved compared to any other single parameter we measured, predicting a 48% decrease in movement rates above 28°C. Moreover, severe drought (as indicated by 25-cm depth soil moisture) better predicted movement distance than moderate drought. The strong influence of weather and drought on plains bison movements observed in our study suggest that shifting climate and weather will likely affect plains bison movement patterns, further complicating conservation efforts for this wide-ranging keystone species. Moreover, changes in plains bison movement patterns may have cascading effects for grassland ecosystem structure, function, and biodiversity. Plains bison and grassland conservation efforts need to be proactive and adaptive when considering the implications of a changing climate on bison movement patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. McMillan
- Department of Agronomy and HorticultureSchool of Natural ResourcesUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraskaUSA
| | - Samuel D. Fuhlendorf
- Natural Resource Ecology and ManagementOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
| | - Barney Luttbeg
- Integrative BiologyOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
| | - Laura E. Goodman
- Natural Resource Ecology and ManagementOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
| | - Craig A. Davis
- Natural Resource Ecology and ManagementOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOklahomaUSA
| | - Brady W. Allred
- W.A. Franke College of Forestry & ConservationUniversity of MontanaMissoulaMontanaUSA
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21
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Othman N, Mustapah MAS, Quilter AG, DeWan A. Understanding barriers and benefits to adopting elephant coexistence practices in oil palm plantation landscapes in Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.989833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oil palm managers are one of the key stakeholders who could help strengthen efforts to protect elephants in the landscape. We used a Theory of Change (ToC) approach to hypothesize potential barriers and benefits to managers adopting best practise. We conducted two workshopss with more than 60 participants to better understand managers’ perceptions of Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) and their willingness to adopt better wildlife management practices. The workshops confirmed that some of the outcomes we perceived in the original ToC, including security issues, false accusations, negative perceptions by the international community and crop damage, were affecting their willingness to promote coexistence in their plantation. However, we also uncovered other potential barriers and opportunities to promote coexistence, including international and national standards that do not provide enough technical and practical guidance for all levels, expensive monitoring costs, and inconsistent collaboration among industry players and between government and non-government agencies. Our initial findings suggest that new attitudes and perceptions have not been explored before and may be critical for manager engagement and adoption of best practices for HEC, as well as the identification of new audiences that would need to be engaged to be successful in achieving elephant conservation goals.
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22
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Integrating multiple aspects of human–elephant conflict management in Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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23
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Cabral de Mel SJ, Seneweera S, de Mel RK, Dangolla A, Weerakoon DK, Maraseni T, Allen BL. Current and Future Approaches to Mitigate Conflict between Humans and Asian Elephants: The Potential Use of Aversive Geofencing Devices. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2965. [PMID: 36359089 PMCID: PMC9653792 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Asian elephants are a principal cause of human-wildlife conflict. This results in the death/injury of elephants and humans and large-scale crop and property damage. Most current human-elephant conflict (HEC) mitigation tools lack the flexibility to accommodate the ecological needs of elephants and are ineffective at reducing HEC in the long-term. Here we review common HEC mitigation tools used in Asia and the potential of Aversive Geofencing Devices (AGDs) to manage problem elephants. AGDs can be configured to monitor animal movements in real-time and deliver auditory warnings followed by electric stimuli whenever animals attempt to move across user-specified virtual boundaries. Thus, AGDs are expected to condition elephants to avoid receiving shocks and keep them away from virtually fenced areas, while providing alternative routes that can be modified if required. Studies conducted using AGDs with other species provide an overview of their potential in conditioning wild animals. We recommend that the efficacy and welfare impact of AGDs be evaluated using captive elephants along with public perception of using AGDs on elephants as a means of addressing the inherent deficiencies of common HEC mitigation tools. If elephants could be successfully conditioned to avoid virtual fences, then AGDs could resolve many HEC incidents throughout Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendranie Judith Cabral de Mel
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
| | - Saman Seneweera
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ruvinda Kasun de Mel
- Centre for Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Ashoka Dangolla
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Devaka Keerthi Weerakoon
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, University of Colombo, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - Tek Maraseni
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
- Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Benjamin Lee Allen
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6034, South Africa
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24
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de la Torre JA, Cheah C, Lechner AM, Wong EP, Tuuga A, Saaban S, Goossens B, Campos‐Arceiz A. Sundaic elephants prefer habitats on the periphery of protected areas. J Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Antonio de la Torre
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences & Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Mengla China
- Programa Jaguares de la Selva Maya Bioconciencia A.C. Ciudad de Mexico Mexico
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
| | - Cheryl Cheah
- WWF‐Malaysia Centre Point Complex Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
| | - Alex M. Lechner
- Urban Transformations Hub Monash University Indonesia The Breeze BSD City Indonesia
| | - Ee Phin Wong
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
- Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
| | | | - Salman Saaban
- Department of Wildlife and National Parks Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Benoit Goossens
- Sabah Wildlife Department Wisma MUIS Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
- Organisms and Environment Division, Cardiff School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff UK
- Danau Girang Field Centre c/o Sabah Wildlife Department Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
| | - Ahimsa Campos‐Arceiz
- Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute Chinese Academy of Sciences & Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Mengla China
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences University of Nottingham Malaysia Semenyih Malaysia
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25
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Huang RM, van Aarde RJ, Pimm SL, Chase MJ, Leggett K. Mapping potential connections between Southern Africa's elephant populations. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275791. [PMID: 36219597 PMCID: PMC9553058 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Southern Africa spans nearly 7 million km2 and contains approximately 80% of the world’s savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) mostly living in isolated protected areas. Here we ask what are the prospects for improving the connections between these populations? We combine 1.2 million telemetry observations from 254 elephants with spatial data on environmental factors and human land use across eight southern African countries. Telemetry data show what natural features limit elephant movement and what human factors, including fencing, further prevent or restrict dispersal. The resulting intersection of geospatial data and elephant presences provides a map of suitable landscapes that are environmentally appropriate for elephants and where humans allow elephants to occupy. We explore the environmental and anthropogenic constraints in detail using five case studies. Lastly, we review all the major potential connections that may remain to connect a fragmented elephant metapopulation and document connections that are no longer feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Huang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RMH); (RJA)
| | - Rudi J. van Aarde
- Conservation Ecology Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
- * E-mail: (RMH); (RJA)
| | - Stuart L. Pimm
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Conservation Ecology Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
| | | | - Keith Leggett
- Fowlers Gap Arid Zone Research Station, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Fowlers Gap, Australia
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26
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Baral K, Bhandari S, Adhikari B, Kunwar RM, Sharma HP, Aryal A, Ji W. Anthropogenic mortality of large mammals and trends of conflict over two decades in Nepal. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9381. [PMID: 36225840 PMCID: PMC9530695 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife conservation in human-dominated landscapes faces increased challenges due to rising conflicts between humans and wildlife. We investigated the human and wildlife loss rates due to human-wildlife conflict between 2000 and 2020 in Nepal. We concentrated on Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), tiger (Panthera tigirs), and leopard (Panthera pardus) mortality, as well as human mortality caused by these species. Over the 21-year period, we recorded 1139 cases of wildlife mortality and 887 cases of human mortality. Leopard mortality was the highest, followed by that of greater one-horned rhinos, tigers, and Asian elephants. Overall, the rate of wildlife mortality has been increasing over the years. Asian elephants were found to be more responsible for crop damage than greater one-horned rhinos, while leopards were found to be more responsible for livestock depredation than tigers. The generalized linear model indicated that the mortality of wildlife in the districts is best predicted by the additive effect of human mortality, the proportion of agricultural land, and the literacy rate of the districts. Retaliatory wildlife mortality was the most challenging issue for wildlife conservation, especially for the large mammals. Findings from this study are important for mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts, controlling retaliatory killing, and conserving these threatened large mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedar Baral
- School of Natural and Computational ScienceMassey UniversityAucklandNew Zealand
- Division Forest OfficePokharaNepal
| | | | - Binaya Adhikari
- Tribhuvan UniversityInstitute of ForestryKaskiNepal
- Pokhara Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue CenterKaskiNepal
| | | | - Hari P. Sharma
- Central Department of ZoologyTribhuvan UniversityKathmanduNepal
| | - Achyut Aryal
- School of Natural and Computational ScienceMassey UniversityAucklandNew Zealand
- Auckland College of Tertiary StudiesCC Training AcademyAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Weihong Ji
- School of Natural and Computational ScienceMassey UniversityAucklandNew Zealand
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27
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Eustace A, Chambi D, Emmanuel G, Saigilu M. The extent of crop damage by elephants: Does the distance from the protected area matter? CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Eustace
- Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) Morogoro Tanzania
| | - Diana Chambi
- Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) Morogoro Tanzania
| | - Gideon Emmanuel
- Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) Morogoro Tanzania
| | - Meshack Saigilu
- Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) Morogoro Tanzania
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28
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van de Water A, Di Minin E, Slotow R. Human-elephant coexistence through aligning conservation with societal aspirations. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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29
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Kitratporn N, Takeuchi W. Human-elephant conflict risk assessment under coupled climatic and anthropogenic changes in Thailand. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155174. [PMID: 35421470 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As natural resources decrease, competition between humans and large endangered wildlife increases, hindering the sustainability of animal conservation and human development. Despite the multi-dimensional nature of such interactions, proactive assessments that consider both the biosphere and anthroposphere remain limited. In this study, we proposed a human elephant conflict risk assessment framework and analyzed the spatial distribution of risk at the baseline (2000-2019) and in the near future (2025-2044) for Thailand, so that it may address the multifaceted characteristics and impending effects of climate change. Future scenarios were based on the combination of RCP45/SSP2 or RCP85/SSP5 and spatial policy, with or without elephant buffer zones. The composite risk index, comprised of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability, was constructed using the geometric mean, and validation was performed with the area under the curve (AUC). Our results projected a shift with increasing future risk toward higher latitudes and altitudes. Increasing future risk (average +1.7% to +7.4%) in the four forest complexes (FCs) in northwestern regions was a result of higher hazard and vulnerability from more favorable habitat conditions and increasing drought probability, respectively. Reduction in future risk (average -3.1% to -57.9%) in other FCs in lower regions was mainly due to decreasing hazard because of decreasing habitat suitability. Our results also highlight geographically explicit strategies to support long-term planning of conservation resources. Areas with increasing future risk are currently facing low conflict; hence it is recommended that future strategies should enhance adaptive capacity and coexistence awareness. Conversely, areas with lowering future risk from a decrease in habitat quality are recommended to identify buffer strategies around protected areas to support existing large elephant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuntikorn Kitratporn
- Institute of Industrial Sciences, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, 153-8505 Tokyo, Japan; Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), Bangkok 10210, Thailand.
| | - Wataru Takeuchi
- Institute of Industrial Sciences, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, 153-8505 Tokyo, Japan
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30
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Plotnik JM, Jacobson SL. A “thinking animal” in conflict: studying wild elephant cognition in the shadow of anthropogenic change. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2022.101148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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31
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Montero Botey M, Soliño M, Perea R, Martínez-Jauregui M. Let Us Give Voice to Local Farmers: Preferences for Farm-Based Strategies to Enhance Human–Elephant Coexistence in Africa. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141867. [PMID: 35883411 PMCID: PMC9311559 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Local communities living on the edge of protected areas often experience negative impacts on their livelihoods due to wildlife. These situations threaten support for long-term conservation of wildlife and wild habitats so a key for conservation sustainability should be based on implementing socially accepted and economically sustainable mitigation practices. For successful design and implementation of mitigation strategies, it is vital to engage local communities and understand their preferences and previous experiences. In this study, we present a choice experiment as a tool to analyze local farmer preferences for the most common farm-based solutions to reduce African elephant crop damage. Results show that there are significant differences among responses triggered by farmers’ previous experience with elephants and socioeconomic situation, with a marked spatial distribution among respondents. This methodology, based on a choice modeling approach considering the differential availability of resources and previous experience with elephants or other wildlife, is highly applicable, with small changes in other areas where wildlife competes with local communities for resources. This approach also represents a suitable instrument for identifying stakeholders’ preferences in each specific context. Abstract Local communities surrounding wildlife corridors and natural reserves often face challenges related to human–wildlife coexistence. To mitigate the challenges and ensure the long-term conservation of wildlife, it is important to engage local communities in the design of conservation strategies. By conducting 480 face-to-face interviews in 30 villages along and adjacent to the Selous-Niassa Wildlife Corridor (Tanzania), we quantified farmers’ preferences for farm-based measures to mitigate African elephant damage using choice experiments. Results show that farmers considered no action the least preferred option, revealing that they are open to trying different measures. The most preferred management strategy matched with the preferences of wildlife rangers in the area, suggesting low concern about the potential conflicts between stakeholders. However, a latent class model suggests that there are significant differences among responses triggered by farmers’ previous experience with elephants, the intensity of the elephant damage, and the socioeconomic situation of the farmer. Results show a marked spatial distribution among respondents, highlighting the benefits of zone management as conflicts were found to be highly context dependent. Understanding the human dimension of conservation is essential for the successful planification and implementation of conservation strategies. Therefore, the development and broad utilization of methodologies to gather specific context information should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Montero Botey
- Departamento de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Avda. Moreras s/n E, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-910671701
| | - Mario Soliño
- Institute of Marine Research—CSIC, C/ Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain;
- Complutense Institute for International Studies (ICEI), Finca Mas Ferré, Edif. A. Campus de Somosaguas, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Ramón Perea
- Departamento de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Avda. Moreras s/n E, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - María Martínez-Jauregui
- Forest Research Centre (INIA-CSIC), Ctra. de La Coruña km. 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid and INIA, Avda. de Madrid 57, 34004 Palencia, Spain
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La Grange M, Matema C, Nyamukure B, Hoare R. The Virtual Fence Dynamic: a Breakthrough for Low-Cost and Sustainable Mitigation of Human-Elephant Conflict in Subsistence Agriculture? FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.863180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Attempts to deter elephants from entering crop fields and human settlements in Africa have used various barriers (e.g. electric fences, chilli fences, beehive fences or plant barriers), situated on or very near the boundaries of fields or villages, with rather variable success. We explored a very simple new barrier concept based upon re-arranging the layout of foreign stimuli already known to arouse suspicion and fear among elephants. Deterrence involved deploying unnaturally scented objects on and across their pathways of habitual movement leading to crop field clusters. Elephants are suspicious of unpleasant olfactory stimuli, like string or cloth saturated with pungent-smelling chilli oil, old engine oil, or creosote and dislike ‘chilli smoke’. Foreign visual items like plastic bottles, reflective metal strips and cow bells possibly reinforced suspicion of these unpleasant scents and influenced the deterrent effect. These flimsy items deployed over very short distances merely acted as a bluff to ‘problem elephants’ that people were actively trying to impede their progress, and the vast majority chose to turn back or deviate substantially. Thus we coined the term a ‘soft virtual boundary’. We demonstrate that placing virtual boundaries away from village and agricultural lands, forces elephants to encounter them upon leaving their daytime refuges, while still in natural habitat. The suspicion and fear generated here considerably reduces elephants’ determination to proceed onwards to risk crop raiding. When multiple, small virtual boundaries are strategically moved around at intervals, a ‘virtual fence dynamic’ delivers an enduring deterrent effect. In ten study areas in two countries over seven years this technique led to considerable and consistent reductions in crop damage levels of up to 95% in places. Because these methods (i) completely rely on local knowledge, (ii) were exceptionally low cost and (iii) demonstrated rapid results, the ‘buy-in’ from affected communities of small-scale subsistence farmers was immediate and very enthusiastic. So this strategy has the potential to remove the most intractable stumbling block to the sustainability of human-elephant conflict mitigation efforts in smallholder agriculture – reliance upon conservation donor funding for very costly and problematic mitigation measures like fencing, compensation schemes and elephant translocations.
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Das P, Kshettry A, Kumara HN. Trunk picking from a truncating menu: Dry season forage selection by Asian elephant in a multi-use landscape. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271052. [PMID: 35802712 PMCID: PMC9269951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Elephants show a strong selection towards areas with high foraging opportunities at the landscape level making top-down decisions by first selecting patch types within landscapes and finally species within them. Understanding forage selection in a multi-use landscape is critical for prioritising patches for habitat management, ensuring availability of selected forage, helping in minimizing pressure on food crops and subsequent negative interactions with people. We assessed dry season forage selection in a multi-use landscape of West Bengal state, India. Relative forage use and relative plant species availability ratio were calculated to assess forage selection in a multi-use landscape comprising of the forest, tea estates, agricultural land, and human settlement. Forage use was assessed using the opportunistic feeding trail observation method (150.01 km). Stratified random sampling was used to assess plant species availability using the quadrat method (123 plots of 0.1 ha each). Among 286 plant species recorded, 132 plant species were consumed by elephants. A majority (80.21%) of plant species were consumed more than the proportional availability thereby showing selective foraging during the dry season in the study area. From forest to semi-open forest and open forest, canopy layer tree density and the total number of species decreased whereas invasive species density increased. This indicates the high impact on the forage species availability for elephants and the requirement of appropriate habitat management strategies. The presence of 32.14% of the selected forage species in human-use landscape alone demands the development of conservation interventions. This is the first study to assess forage selection by elephants in a multi-use landscape and used to prioritise conservation and management strategies at a landscape level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Das
- Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- * E-mail: (PD); (HNK)
| | - Aritra Kshettry
- INSPIRE-Fellow, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - H. N. Kumara
- Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- * E-mail: (PD); (HNK)
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Gross EM, Pereira JG, Shaba T, Bilério S, Kumchedwa B, Lienenlüke S. Exploring Routes to Coexistence: Developing and Testing a Human–Elephant Conflict-Management Framework for African Elephant-Range Countries. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14070525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Creating a future for elephants and people is a highly complex and dynamic challenge, involving social, behavioral, and ecological dimensions as well as multiple actors with various interests. To foster learning from human–elephant conflict (HEC) management projects and share best practices, a study was conducted to review the management of conflicts between elephants and humans in 12 African countries by qualitative expert interviews. Based on this information, a HEC management framework was developed in a two-tiered process. In the first phase, the theory of the framework was developed. In a second phase, the theoretical framework was validated and adjusted through stakeholder participation in two southern African projects (in Mozambique and Malawi). This holistic approach considers environmental as well as social, political, cultural, and economic factors directly or indirectly affecting interactions between people and wildlife. The framework integrates six interlinked strategies to guide managers and conservation practitioners to address HWC drivers and mitigate their impact. A legal environment and spatial planning form the basis of the framework. Social strategies, including meaningful stakeholder engagement and design of appropriate institutional structures and processes are considered the heart of the framework. Technical and financial strategies represent its arms and hands. At the top, monitoring steers all processes, provides feedback for adjustment, and informs decisions. The integration and coordination of these six strategies has great potential as a guiding route to human–wildlife coexistence in Africa and elsewhere.
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Male mastodon landscape use changed with maturation (late Pleistocene, North America). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2118329119. [PMID: 35696566 PMCID: PMC9231495 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2118329119] [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] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fossil remains usually reveal little about lifetime landscape use beyond place of death, but ever-growing tusks of American mastodons (Mammut americanum) record this fundamental aspect of paleobiology. Using oxygen and strontium isotopes from a serially sampled male mastodon tusk, we reconstruct changing patterns of landscape use during his life. We find clear shifts in landscape use during adolescence and following maturation to adulthood, including increased monthly movements and development of a summer-only range and mating ground. The mastodon died in his inferred summer mating ground, far from landscapes used during other seasons. Mastodons had long gestation times, and late Pleistocene populations lived in harsh, rapidly changing environments. Seasonal landscape use and migration were likely critical for maximizing mastodon reproductive success. Under harsh Pleistocene climates, migration and other forms of seasonally patterned landscape use were likely critical for reproductive success of mastodons (Mammut americanum) and other megafauna. However, little is known about how their geographic ranges and mobility fluctuated seasonally or changed with sexual maturity. We used a spatially explicit movement model that coupled strontium and oxygen isotopes from two serially sampled intervals (5+ adolescent years and 3+ adult years) in a male mastodon tusk to test for changes in landscape use associated with maturation and reproductive phenology. The mastodon’s early adolescent home range was geographically restricted, with no evidence of seasonal preferences. Following inferred separation from the matriarchal herd (starting age 12 y), the adolescent male’s mobility increased as landscape use expanded away from his natal home range (likely central Indiana). As an adult, the mastodon’s monthly movements increased further. Landscape use also became seasonally structured, with some areas, including northeast Indiana, used only during the inferred mastodon mating season (spring/summer). The mastodon died in this area (>150 km from his core, nonsummer range) after sustaining a craniofacial injury consistent with a fatal blow from a competing male’s tusk during a battle over access to mates. Northeast Indiana was likely a preferred mating area for this individual and may have been regionally significant for late Pleistocene mastodons. Similarities between mammutids and elephantids in herd structure, tusk dimorphism, tusk function, and the geographic component of male maturation indicate that these traits were likely inherited from a common ancestor.
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Can Humans and Elephants Coexist? A Review of the Conflict on Sumatra Island, Indonesia. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14060420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The high rate of deforestation and fragmentation of elephant habitat on Sumatra Island has triggered human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Sumatra Island, Indonesia. This conflict brings negative impacts on humans and elephants. Despite numerous efforts having been made to solve this problem, the HEC continues to occur in the remaining elephant enclave every year. The harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants could be improved through HEC mitigation programs. The aim of this paper was to review information on HEC in Sumatra Island, investigate the causes and implications of HEC, review existing HEC mitigation methods, and formulate strategies to improve the harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants. The best strategies to create successful human and elephant coexistence are strengthening the institutions and policies, restoring the habitat, developing wildlife corridors, establishing Essential Ecosystem Areas (EEA), community empowerment through ecotourism, providing legal access to forests through Social Forestry (SF), and providing compensation schemes for conflict victims.
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O’Connell-Rodwell CE, Sandri MN, Berezin JL, Munevar JM, Kinzley C, Wood JD, Wiśniewska M, Kilian JW. Male African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Behavioral Responses to Estrous Call Playbacks May Inform Conservation Management Tools. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091162. [PMID: 35565588 PMCID: PMC9102362 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary During annual periods of heightened sexual activity (musth), male African elephants expend a significant amount of energy communicating their reproductive status, as well as searching and competing for potential mates. To locate females, musth males may risk venturing outside protected areas and into landscapes shared with humans where conflict between wildlife and people can occur. Adverse interactions between elephants and people can be detrimental to human livelihoods, resulting in negative attitudes towards elephants and, in some cases, retaliatory killings. Interactions with aggressive musth males can also be life-threatening to community members who attempt to confront them. Mitigation strategies that effectively target the reproductive motivations of musth males may offer solutions as the human–elephant interface continues to expand. In this study, we build on earlier research showing that playbacks of female elephant reproductive calls, (i.e., estrous rumbles) can change the movement trajectory and behavior of male elephants in Etosha National Park, Namibia. Individuals belonging to three male groups were opportunistically subjected to playback experiments and evaluated based on their reaction intensity. Our results demonstrate that mature musth adults are more likely to change directions and approach the source of a female’s estrous call than mature, sexually-inactive adult elephants. We also show that post-dispersal young males that were not in musth also respond strongly to the stimulus. These findings support further exploration of mitigation solutions that incorporate elephant behavior, reproductive status, and context-specific vocalizations. Abstract Driven by reproductive motives, male African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in musth often expand their home ranges to locate estrous females. This extended range, coupled with heightened aggression often observed in musth males, can be particularly problematic in regions where human-modified landscapes and elephant territories increasingly overlap. Several mitigation tools have been tested to resolve a wide range of human–elephant conflicts with varying degrees of success due to geographical disparities and habituation. We present findings on the potential application of estrous call playbacks in manipulating the behavior and movement of male elephants non-invasively, particularly mature musth adults and younger post-dispersal males, in Etosha National Park. Estrous vocalizations were presented across 26 experimental trials to mature musth adults (n = 5), mature non-musth adults (n = 6), and non-musth males belonging to younger, post-dispersal age classes (n = 8), with behavioral responses scored on a gradient scale from 0–1. Both mature musth adults and younger non-musth elephants were significantly more likely to respond with the highest intensity by approaching the acoustic source compared to mature non-musth adults that avoided the call. However, younger males tested in the presence of an older, higher-ranking male tended to react with a lower intensity than those tested alone. This result likely demonstrates the influence of social hierarchy and associations on male elephant behavior. We also observed a significant increase in physiological response, measured by defecation rate, across all male groups in response to the estrous call playbacks. Our findings suggest that using estrous calls as acoustic deterrents may effectively and non-invasively aid in reducing tension at the human–elephant interface, depending on the age, social context, and reproductive status of the male elephant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. O’Connell-Rodwell
- Center for Conservation Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Utopia Scientific, P.O. Box 221100, San Diego, CA 92192, USA; (M.N.S.); (J.L.B.)
- Harvard University Center for the Environment, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Monica N. Sandri
- Utopia Scientific, P.O. Box 221100, San Diego, CA 92192, USA; (M.N.S.); (J.L.B.)
- Geography Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jodie L. Berezin
- Utopia Scientific, P.O. Box 221100, San Diego, CA 92192, USA; (M.N.S.); (J.L.B.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA 01063, USA
| | - Jaquelyn M. Munevar
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Colleen Kinzley
- Conservation Society of California, Oakland Zoo, Oakland, CA 94605, USA;
| | | | - Maggie Wiśniewska
- The Federated Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - J. Werner Kilian
- Etosha Ecological Institute, Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Okaukuejo via Outjo P.O. Box 6, Namibia;
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Acknowledging the Relevance of Elephant Sensory Perception to Human–Elephant Conflict Mitigation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12081018. [PMID: 35454264 PMCID: PMC9031250 DOI: 10.3390/ani12081018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Elephants have a unique sensory perspective of the world, using their complex olfactory and auditory systems to make foraging and social decisions. All three species of elephants are endangered and inhabit environments, which are being affected rapidly by human development. Anthropogenic disturbances can have significant effects on elephants’ abilities to perceive sensory information and communicate with one another, potentially further endangering their survival. Conflicts over high-quality resources also arise from the overlapping habitation of humans and elephants. While many different methods have been employed to reduce this conflict, we propose that elephants’ unique olfactory and acoustic sensory strengths be considered in future mitigation strategies to achieve coexistence. Abstract Elephants are well known for their socio-cognitive abilities and capacity for multi-modal sensory perception and communication. Their highly developed olfactory and acoustic senses provide them with a unique non-visual perspective of their physical and social worlds. The use of these complex sensory signals is important not only for communication between conspecifics, but also for decisions about foraging and navigation. These decisions have grown increasingly risky given the exponential increase in unpredictable anthropogenic change in elephants’ natural habitats. Risk taking often develops from the overlap of human and elephant habitat in Asian and African range countries, where elephants forage for food in human habitat and crop fields, leading to conflict over high-quality resources. To mitigate this conflict, a better understanding of the elephants’ sensory world and its impact on their decision-making process should be considered seriously in the development of long-term strategies for promoting coexistence between humans and elephants. In this review, we explore the elephants’ sensory systems for audition and olfaction, their multi-modal capacities for communication, and the anthropogenic changes that are affecting their behavior, as well as the need for greater consideration of elephant behavior in elephant conservation efforts.
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Pattanarangsan R, Kulnanan P, Mitsuwan W, Wongtawan T. Exploration of double-dart injection technique as a supplemental application for remote drug delivery system for zoo and wild animals. Vet World 2022; 15:622-626. [PMID: 35497964 PMCID: PMC9047144 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.622-626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Remote drug delivery has become an essential tool for safely delivering medication and vaccines to free-ranging, non-domestic, or dangerous animals. All dart guns currently use a single dart per injection, and it might occasionally be not practical with large animals. Shooting the dart more than once on an animal may cause flight, injury, stress, and ultimately unsuccessful delivery. Furthermore, purchasing many dart guns and hiring and training more staff may be unfeasible in developing countries. Therefore, employing the double-dart injection technique may help reduce the cost of operation, save time for capturing animals, minimize stress and injury, and improve animal welfare. The objectives of this study were to test the possibility of using the double-dart injection technique and optimizing the guidelines for this procedure.
Materials and Methods: A standard brand-calibrated darting rifle was used to deliver the darts to the target board constructed from paper, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate foam. The shot stage and shooter were fixed, and the shooting range was 5-20 m. The pressure of the gun was varied according to a company's recommendation. The single dart (control dart) was first shot to the target point, and then the double darts were shot 3 times for each condition. The experiment was done in the field with no wind. The inclusion criteria were that two darts must hit the target and not penetrate the target board deeply. The distances between the control dart and double darts (first and second darts) and between each dart of the double darts were measured, and the standard curve graphs and formulas were created.
Results: The results showed that the distance between the control dart and the double darts was shortened as the pressure was increased. All double-dart injections hit the target below the control dart. We were able to create many formulas to predict the optimal gun pressure and aim point for double-dart injection in each shot range. It usually requires more pressure settings than a single-dart injection, particularly the long shot range. It also needs to aim the target point above the original point.
Conclusion: Double-dart injection technique can be used efficiently in 5-20 m distance, and it usually requires increasing the pressure from the company's recommendation and adjusting the injecting point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rattapan Pattanarangsan
- Akkharatchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand; One Health Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | - Pawinee Kulnanan
- Akkharatchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand; One Health Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | - Watcharapong Mitsuwan
- Akkharatchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand; One Health Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Innovation of Essential Oil, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | - Tuempong Wongtawan
- Akkharatchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand; One Health Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
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Montgomery RA, Raupp J, Mukhwana M, Greenleaf A, Mudumba T, Muruthi P. The efficacy of interventions to protect crops from raiding elephants. AMBIO 2022; 51:716-727. [PMID: 34173175 PMCID: PMC8800974 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01587-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Both African elephants (Loxodonta spp.) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) across their range come into conflict with people because of their crop-raiding behavior, which presents profound impediments to farmer livelihoods. In response, a series of interventions, designed to reduce elephant crop raiding have been applied. Based on an extensive review of elephant crop-raiding studies published over a 31-year period, we identified four primary categories of interventions including: (i) detection efforts; (ii) preemptive measures; (iii) fencing and trenches; and (iv) deterrent techniques. The interventions reported to be most effective involved chili peppers (i.e., fences, spray, and briquettes) and crop guarding coupled with deterrents. The extent to which these interventions can be applied more widely is unclear as only two studies examined efficacy across sites in more than one country. Thus, future inquiry should evaluate the ability of effective interventions, or indeed a combination of interventions, to be applied across the range of elephants to reduce crop raiding at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Montgomery
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Oxon OX13 5QL UK
| | - Jamie Raupp
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey (RECaP) Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Methodius Mukhwana
- African Wildlife Foundation, Uganda Office, Plot 9 Bukoto Crescent, Naguru, P.O. Box 37346, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ashley Greenleaf
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey (RECaP) Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Tutilo Mudumba
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and Their Prey (RECaP) Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Philip Muruthi
- African Wildlife Foundation, Headquarters, Ngong Road, Karen, P.O. Box 310, 00502 Nairobi, Kenya
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Chan AN, Wittemyer G, McEvoy J, Williams AC, Cox N, Soe P, Grindley M, Shwe NM, Chit AM, Oo ZM, Leimgruber P. Landscape characteristics influence ranging behavior of Asian elephants at the human-wildlands interface in Myanmar. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2022; 10:6. [PMID: 35123584 PMCID: PMC8818246 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-022-00304-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Asian elephant numbers are declining across much of their range driven largely by serious threats from land use change resulting in habitat loss and fragmentation. Myanmar, holding critical range for the species, is undergoing major developments due to recent sociopolitical changes. To effectively manage and conserve the remaining populations of endangered elephants in the country, it is crucial to understand their ranging behavior. OBJECTIVES Our objectives were to (1) estimate the sizes of dry, wet, and annual ranges of wild elephants in Myanmar; and quantify the relationship between dry season (the period when human-elephant interactions are the most likely to occur) range size and configurations of agriculture and natural vegetation within the range, and (2) evaluate how percentage of agriculture within dry core range (50% AKDE range) of elephants relates to their daily distance traveled. METHODS We used autocorrelated kernel density estimator (AKDE) based on a continuous-time movement modeling (ctmm) framework to estimate dry season (26 ranges from 22 different individuals), wet season (12 ranges from 10 different individuals), and annual range sizes (8 individuals), and reported the 95%, 50% AKDE, and 95% Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) range sizes. We assessed how landscape characteristics influenced range size based on a broad array of 48 landscape metrics characterizing aspects of vegetation, water, and human features and their juxtaposition in the study areas. To identify the most relevant landscape metrics and simplify our candidate set of informative metrics, we relied on exploratory factor analysis and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Based on this analysis we adopted a final set of metrics into our regression analysis. In a multiple regression framework, we developed candidate models to explain the variation in AKDE dry season range sizes based on the previously identified, salient metrics of landscape composition. RESULTS Elephant dry season ranges were highly variable averaging 792.0 km2 and 184.2 km2 for the 95% and 50% AKDE home ranges, respectively. We found both the shape and spatial configuration of agriculture and natural vegetation patches within an individual elephant's range play a significant role in determining the size of its range. We also found that elephants are moving more (larger energy expenditure) in ranges with higher percentages of agricultural area. CONCLUSION Our results provide baseline information on elephant spatial requirements and the factors affecting them in Myanmar. This information is important for advancing future land use planning that takes into account space-use requirements for elephants. Failing to do so may further endanger already declining elephant populations in Myanmar and across the species' range.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Chan
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA.
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- WWF-Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar.
- Fauna and Flora International, Yangon, Myanmar.
| | - G Wittemyer
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - J McEvoy
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | | | - N Cox
- WWF-Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - P Soe
- WWF-Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - M Grindley
- Fauna and Flora International, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - N M Shwe
- Fauna and Flora International, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - A M Chit
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Z M Oo
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Myanma Timber Enterprise, Alone, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - P Leimgruber
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
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42
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He H, Buchholtz E, Chen F, Vogel S, Yu CA. An agent-based model of elephant crop consumption walks using combinatorial optimization. Ecol Modell 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2021.109852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Salerno J, Stevens FR, Gaughan AE, Hilton T, Bailey K, Bowles T, Cassidy L, Mupeta-Muyamwa P, Biggs D, Pricope N, Mosimane AW, Henry LM, Drake M, Weaver A, Kosmas S, Woodward K, Kolarik N, Hartter J. Wildlife impacts and changing climate pose compounding threats to human food security. Curr Biol 2021; 31:5077-5085.e6. [PMID: 34562383 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
High-level policy debates surrounding elephant management often dominate global conservation headlines, yet realities for people living with wildlife are not adequately incorporated into policymaking or evident in related discourse.1,2 Human health and livelihoods can be severely impacted by wildlife and indirectly by policy outcomes.3 In landscapes where growing human and elephant (Loxodonta spp. and Elephas maximus) populations compete over limited resources, human-elephant conflict causes crop loss, human injury and death, and retaliatory killing of wildlife.4-6 Across Africa, these problems may be increasingly compounded by climate change, which intensifies resource competition and food insecurity.6-9 Here, we examine how human-wildlife impacts interact with climate change and household food insecurity across the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, the world's largest terrestrial transboundary conservation area, spanning five African nations. We use hierarchical Bayesian statistical models to analyze multi-country household data together with longitudinal satellite-based climate measures relevant to rainfed agriculture. We find that crop depredation by wildlife, primarily elephants, impacts 58% of sampled households annually and is associated with significant increases in food insecurity. These wildlife impacts compound effects of changing climate on food insecurity, most notably observed as a 5-day shortening of the rainy season per 10 years across the data record (1981-2018). To advance sustainability goals, global conservation policy must better integrate empirical evidence on the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence into longer term strategies at transboundary scales, specifically in the context of climate change.3,9-11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Salerno
- Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1480, USA.
| | - Forrest R Stevens
- Department of Geographic and Environmental Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Andrea E Gaughan
- Department of Geographic and Environmental Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Tom Hilton
- Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1480, USA
| | - Karen Bailey
- Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Timothy Bowles
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Lin Cassidy
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Maun, Botswana
| | | | - Duan Biggs
- School of Earth and Sustainability, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA; Resilient Conservation, Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia; Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Centre for Complex Systems in Transition, School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Narcisa Pricope
- Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
| | - Alfons Wahabe Mosimane
- Multi-Disciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Windhoek, Namibia
| | | | - Michael Drake
- Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Ariel Weaver
- Department of Geographic and Environmental Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Selma Kosmas
- Department of Wildlife Management and Ecotourism, Katima Mulilo Campus, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Kyle Woodward
- Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
| | - Nicholas Kolarik
- Department of Geographic and Environmental Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Joel Hartter
- Environmental Studies Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
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44
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Langbauer WR, Karidozo M, Madden M, Parry R, Koehler S, Fillebrown J, Wehlan T, Osborn F, Presotto A. From elephant memory to conservation action: using chili oil to mitigate conflict one elephant at a time. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Karidozo
- Connected Conservation Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
| | - M. Madden
- Department of Geography University of Georgia Athens GA USA
| | - R. Parry
- Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
| | - S. Koehler
- Department of Geography and Geosciences Salisbury University Salisbury MD USA
| | - J. Fillebrown
- Department of Geography and Geosciences Salisbury University Salisbury MD USA
| | - T. Wehlan
- Department of Geography and Geosciences Salisbury University Salisbury MD USA
| | - F. Osborn
- Connected Conservation Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
| | - A. Presotto
- Department of Geography and Geosciences Salisbury University Salisbury MD USA
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Singh PK, Ali SM, Sethi M, Manohar DB. Injuries in survivors of elephant attack: Report of three cases. Chin J Traumatol 2021; 24:394-396. [PMID: 34039515 PMCID: PMC8606594 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-elephant conflict (HEC) in India is becoming a growing health problem causing many fatalities every year. Elephants produce injuries by trampling, stomping, squeezing, tossing in the air, or crushing/targeting the head and chest commonly. The adult elephants are most aggressive in their mating season, leading to maximum incidences of HECs in this period. These attacks are mostly unprovoked, though most HECs are provoked. In this case series, the authors described the injuries sustained by three survivors in a short span of one month due to the sudden and unprovoked elephant attack. All the injuries were mild to moderate in severity and involved the chest in common. Timely rescue and prompt initiation of treatment were pivotal in their survival. The authors also want to create awareness about the mating season of elephants to minimize these unfortunate events in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Manwar Ali
- Department of General Surgery, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Mahesh Sethi
- Department of General Surgery, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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46
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Terada S. Building human–elephant relationships based on science and local ownership: a long‐lasting issue in the era of Sustainable Development Goals. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Terada
- School of Agriculture and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
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47
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Tiller LN, Williams HF. The elephant in the farm: long‐term solutions are the key to coexistence. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. N. Tiller
- Save The Elephants Nairobi Kenya
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - H. F. Williams
- Save The Elephants Nairobi Kenya
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
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48
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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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49
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Ram AK, Yadav NK, Kandel PN, Mondol S, Pandav B, Natarajan L, Subedi N, Naha D, Reddy CS, Lamichhane BR. Tracking forest loss and fragmentation between 1930 and 2020 in Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) range in Nepal. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19514. [PMID: 34593854 PMCID: PMC8484620 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98327-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Forest cover is the primary determinant of elephant distribution, thus, understanding forest loss and fragmentation is crucial for elephant conservation. We assessed deforestation and patterns of forest fragmentation between 1930 and 2020 in Chure Terai Madhesh Lanscape (CTML) which covers the entire elephant range in Nepal. Forest cover maps and fragmentation matrices were generated using multi-source data (Topographic maps and Landsat satellite images of 1930, 1975, 2000, and 2020) and spatiotemporal change was quantified. At present, 19,069 km2 forest cover in CTML is available as the elephant habitat in Nepal. Overall, 21.5% of elephant habitat was lost between 1930 and 2020, with a larger (12.3%) forest cover loss between 1930 and 1975. Area of the large forests (Core 3) has decreased by 43.08% whereas smaller patches (Core 2, Core 1, edge and patch forests) has increased multifold between 1930 and 2020. The continued habitat loss and fragmentation probably fragmented elephant populations during the last century and made them insular with long-term ramifications for elephant conservation and human-elephant conflict. Given the substantial loss in forest cover and high levels of fragmentation, improving the resilience of elephant populations in Nepal would urgently require habitat and corridor restoration to enable the movement of elephants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar Ram
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, India.
- Ministry of Forests and Environment, Singhadurbar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Nabin Kumar Yadav
- Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment, Province 2, Janakpur, Nepal
| | | | | | | | | | - Naresh Subedi
- National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Dipanjan Naha
- Savannah Research Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - C Sudhakar Reddy
- National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organization, Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500 037, India
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50
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Luisa Vissat L, Blackburn JK, Getz WM. A relative‐motion method for parsing spatiotemporal behaviour of dyads using GPS relocation data. Methods Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory Department of Geography University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | - Wayne M. Getz
- Department of ESPM University of California, Berkeley Berkeley CA USA
- School of Mathematical Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal Durban South Africa
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