Download or read book The Effects of Translocation on the Behavior of African Elephants Loxodonta Africana written by Noa Michal Pinter-Wollman and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Physiological Condition of Orphaned African Elephants Loxodonta Africana written by Jenna Marie Parker and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Prolonged maternal care is an energetically expensive behavior, yet it has evolved in many mammal species. This is presumably because of its benefits to offspring even after they are weaned, including defense again aggression from other individuals of the same species, protection from predation, provisioning of food, transfer of knowledge, and inherited rank for offspring of high-ranking individuals. We know these benefits matter because studies have shown that weaned orphans of some long-lived mammal species survive less than weaned nonorphans. However, we lack understanding of the physiological mechanisms leading to lowered survival for weaned orphans who are no longer dependent on their mother’s milk. Understanding physiological benefits of prolonged maternal care is valuable to understanding how it evolved, and, as some have speculated prolonged parental care was a cornerstone in the evolution of sociality, to further understanding sociality. Moreover, many long-lived species for which prolonged maternal care is fundamental are also of conservation concern, some due to practices like poaching that kill adults and leave orphans behind. Yet we were previously unaware of how orphan deaths impact population growth. African elephants (Loxodonta africana) are a highly social species, and the mother-calf bond is exceptionally important to elephant society. They are also endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, the latter of which removes adults from populations for their ivory tusks. My colleagues and I investigated the physiological consequences of losing prolonged maternal care by comparing the physiology and survival of individually known, wild African elephant orphans with those of their nonorphan peers in the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves of Kenya. We longitudinally collected dung samples to compare strongylid (gastrointestinal worm) fecal egg counts as a proxy for parasite loads and fecal glucocorticoid concentrations as a proxy for general stress. We also used 19 years of long-term demographic data to compare survival and the effect of orphaning on population growth. Chapter 1 reveals that we did not discover differences in strongylid infection between orphans and nonorphans, and surprisingly found evidence of lower strongylid infection in nonorphans who had left their natal family as compared to natal orphans and nonorphans. This may be due to social isolation; orphans who have left their family receive more aggression and are kept on the periphery of popular social hubs that contain old dung infected with strongylid larvae. In support of this idea, elephants who received more aggression as measured by behavioral focal follows had fewer strongylid eggs in their dung. Further supporting the role of social behavior in determining strongylid infection of wild elephants, we counted more strongylid eggs in the dung samples of females, who are more often in the company of family groups, than males, who spend less time in the company of family groups and more time in areas less contaminated by old dung. Agreeing with findings in other species, younger elephants were more infected with strongylids than older elephants, likely because their immune systems are still developing. Finally, using GPS radio collar data, we determined that elephants spending more time within reserves have fewer strongylid eggs in their dung compared to elephants who spend less time in reserves. This could indicate that livestock grazing outside of reserves is altering soil content so it is more conducive to strongylid larval survival. Chapter 2 concerns orphan versus nonorphan survival and the effect of orphaning on population growth. We found that even weaned African elephant orphans survive less than their nonorphan peers. Moreover, with a robust sensitivity analysis based on long-term data, we discovered that orphaning substantively decreases population growth. This demonstrates that, on top of its direct effects, adult elephant death indirectly decreases population growth through orphaning. As environmental conditions can affect sensitivity, we reran our analysis twice more using only data from years when there was less poaching in the study system, then only data from years of more poaching. Population growth rate’s sensitivity to orphan survival increased for the analysis parameterized with data from years of more poaching, indicating orphan survival is more important for population growth as orphaning increases. We concluded orphaning should not be overlooked when quantifying the impacts of poaching, and population models characterizing systems with extensive parental care benefit from explicitly incorporating orphan stages. Finally, Chapter 3 provides foundational insight into orphaning’s impact on the stress response of a wild long-lived mammal. We found no difference in baseline glucocorticoid levels of orphan and nonorphan elephants two or more years after their mother’s death. We did, however, find lower average levels in orphans who had left their natal family versus nonorphans and natal orphans. We also found lower glucocorticoid levels in individuals with more adult females and age mates in their core group. The observed lower levels in non-natal orphans were contrary to our predictions and may indicate downregulated glucocorticoid secretion following a period of sustained stress without familial support, which could be adaptive and/or negatively impact fitness. We do not think the lower glucocorticoids in non-natal orphans relate to their lower strongylid infection described in the first chapter, as strongylid egg counts did not correlate with glucocorticoids. Our third chapter findings indicate resilience in surviving orphans who remain with their family following their mother’s death, which is hopeful for the recovery of elephant populations that have been moderately poached. Although social context influenced glucocorticoid levels, they correlated most with ecological conditions. Elephants had lower levels when resources were plentiful, and higher levels during seasonal changes when resources were unevenly distributed. We therefore highlight that social context, and most of all ecological conditions, impact the stress response of wild African elephants. My dissertation indicates that maternal care is important not only to individual survival, but also to larger population dynamics. Therefore, orphaning matters for conserving African elephants and potentially other species with prolonged maternal care. Yet our findings are hopeful for orphans who manage to survive, as only elephant orphans without family showed altered physiology as compared to nonorphans. Concerning parasites, the changes we observed in non-natal orphans were advantageous because they were less infected with strongylids. Regarding the stress response, we found lower glucocorticoid levels in non-natal orphans without the support of family, which could affect their fitness and encourages similar research in heavily poached populations with more non-natal orphans. Broadly, my dissertation reveals that social behavior and social context affect the physiology of orphans, and that prolonged maternal care affects population growth.
Download or read book Guidelines for reintroductions and other conservation translocations written by Reintroduction and invasive species specialist groups' taskforce on moving plants and animals for conservation purposes and published by IUCN. This book was released on 2013 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "As the world's biodiversity faces the incessant threats of habitat loss, invasive species and climate change, there is an increasing need to consider more direct conservation interventions. Humans have moved organisms between sites for their own purposes for millennia, and this has yielded benefits for human kind, but in some cases has led to disastrous impacts. In response to this complex aspect of conservation management, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Reintroduction Specialist Group (RSG) and Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) have revised and published the IUCN 'Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations'"--Website.
Download or read book Reintroduction of Fish and Wildlife Populations written by David S. Jachowski and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2016-09-13 with total page 408 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Reintroduction of Fish and Wildlife Populations provides a practical step-by-step guide to successfully planning, implementing, and evaluating the reestablishment of animal populations in former habitats or their introduction in new environments. In each chapter, experts in reintroduction biology outline a comprehensive synthesis of core concepts, issues, techniques, and perspectives. This manual and reference supports scientists and managers from fisheries and wildlife professions as they plan reintroductions, initiate releases of individuals, and manage restored populations over time. Covering a broad range of taxonomic groups, ecosystems, and global regions, this edited volume is an essential guide for academics, students, and professionals in natural resource management.
Download or read book The Elephant Tourism Business written by Eric Laws and published by CABI. This book was released on 2020-11-23 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Elephant tourism is a growing activity in many countries across Asia and Africa and is popular with tourists from all parts of the world. Elephant tourism has grown rapidly, providing the only viable way for elephants and their owners to survive since the banning of logging. Old logging camps have been developed into sanctuaries for some elephants, but many other camps were established as entertainment centres, resulting in serious welfare issues for the elephants and their mahouts. The profits from elephant tourism in Asia have encouraged African operators to follow a similar business model. This book draws attention to the need for a comprehensive and rigorous focus on local solutions to improve the welfare of captive elephants, their mahouts and local residents, and to enhance tourists' experiences of elephant tourism.
Download or read book Environmental ScienceBites written by Kylienne A. Clark and published by The Ohio State University. This book was released on 2015-09-15 with total page 594 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book was written by undergraduate students at The Ohio State University (OSU) who were enrolled in the class Introduction to Environmental Science. The chapters describe some of Earth's major environmental challenges and discuss ways that humans are using cutting-edge science and engineering to provide sustainable solutions to these problems. Topics are as diverse as the students, who represent virtually every department, school and college at OSU. The environmental issue that is described in each chapter is particularly important to the author, who hopes that their story will serve as inspiration to protect Earth for all life.
Download or read book Animal Behavior After Translocation into Novel Environments written by Oded Berger-Tal and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2022-05-09 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Elephants Under Human Care written by Paul A. Rees and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2020-09-27 with total page 411 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book draws together, for the first time, the published research on the behaviour, ecology and welfare of elephants living in zoos, circuses, logging camps and other captive environments in a single comprehensive volume. It takes a multi-disciplinary approach, considering the work of zoo biologists, animal behaviour and welfare scientists, veterinarians, philosophers, zoo educators, tourism specialists, conservation biologists, lawyers and others with a professional interest in elephants. Elephants under Human Care: The Behaviour, Ecology, and Welfare of Elephants in Captivity is a valuable resource for zoo biology and animal welfare researchers. It is also useful for students and zoo professionals and managers looking for a comprehensive guide to current research on captive elephants. Although not intended as a husbandry manual, the book discusses some of the elephant welfare standards developed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and their relationship to current knowledge of captive elephants. Includes results of captive studies compared with field studies of wild elephants Features original images of elephant behaviour as they live and behave under human care Includes results of the author’s original research including many original photographs Considers future implications of research for the welfare and conservation of elephants, both for elephants in captivity and those living in the wild
Download or read book Biology Medicine and Surgery of Elephants written by Murray Fowler and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2008-01-09 with total page 597 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Elephants are possibly the most well-known members of the animal kingdom. The enormous size, unusual anatomy, and longevity of elephants have fascinated humans for millenia. Biology, Medicine, and Surgery of Elephants serves as a comprehensive text on elephant medicine and surgery. Based on the expertise of 36 scientists and clinical veterinarians, this volume covers biology, husbandry, veterinary medicine and surgery of the elephant as known today. Written by the foremost experts in the field Comprehensively covers both Asian and African elephants Complete with taxonomy, behavioral, geographical and systemic information Well-illustrated and organized for easy reference
Download or read book Reintroduction Biology written by John G. Ewen and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2012-01-30 with total page 533 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book aims to further advance the field of reintroduction biology beyond the considerable progress made since the formation of the IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Group. Using an issue-based framework that purposely avoids a structure based on case studies the book's central theme is advocating a strategic approach to reintroduction where all actions are guided by explicit theoretical frameworks based on clearly defined objectives. Issues covered include husbandry and intensive management, monitoring, and genetic and health management. Although taxonomically neutral there is a recognised dominance of bird and mammal studies that reflects the published research in this field. The structure and content are designed for use by people wanting to bridge the research-management gap, such as conservation managers wanting to expand their thinking about reintroduction-related decisions, or researchers who seek to make useful applied contributions to reintroduction.
Download or read book The Biology of Animal Stress written by Gary P. Moberg and published by CABI. This book was released on 2000 with total page 396 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The subjects of stress and animal welfare are currently attracting immense interest. This book brings together a range of perspectives from biomedical research (including human health and animal models of human stress) on stress and welfare, and assesses new approaches to conceptualising and alleviating stress.
Download or read book African Elephant Status Report 2007 written by J. J. Blanc and published by IUCN. This book was released on 2007 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Wildlife Population Monitoring written by Marco Ferretti and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2019-11-20 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Wildlife management is about finding the balance between conservation of endangered species and mitigating the impacts of overabundant wildlife on humans and the environment. This book deals with the monitoring of fauna, related diseases, and interactions with humans. It is intended to assist and support the professional worker in wildlife management.
Download or read book Reintroduction of Top Order Predators written by Matt W. Hayward and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-04-13 with total page 477 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Large predators are among the most threatened species on the planet and ways of conserving them in the face of increasing human populations and associated resource requirements are becoming critical. This book draws upon the experiences of some of the world’s foremost large carnivore specialists to discuss the numerous issues associated reintroducing large predators back into their natural habitats. Reviews of internationally renowned reintroduction programs for wolves, European lynx and African wild dog reveal the successes and failures of these actions. Experts on tigers, snow leopards and jaguars contend that there are other conservation options of higher priority that will ensure their security in the long-term. Other experts discuss more theoretical aspects such as whether we know enough about these species to be able to predict their behavioural or ecological response to the reintroduction process. Social, economic, political and genetic considerations are also addressed.
Download or read book Second Nature written by David J. Shepherdson and published by Smithsonian Institution. This book was released on 1999-05-14 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Growing recognition of the complexity of animals' physical, social, and psychological lives in the wild has led both zookeepers and the zoo-going public to call for higher environmental standards for animals in captivity. Bringing together the work of animal behaviorists, zoo biologists, and psychologists, Second Nature explores a range of innovative strategies for environmental enrichment in laboratories and marine parks, as well as in zoos. From artificial fleeing-prey devices for leopards to irregular feeding schedules for whales, the practices discussed have resulted in healthier, more relaxed animals that can breed more easily and can exert some control over their environments. Moving beyond the usual studies of primates to consider the requirements of animals as diverse as reptiles, amphibians, marine mammals, small cats, hooved grazers, and bears, contributors argue that whether an animal forages in the wild or plays computer games in captivity, the satisfaction its activity provides—rather than the activity itself—determines the animal's level of physical and psychological well-being. Second Nature also discusses the ways in which environmental enrichment can help zoo-bred animals develop the stamina and adaptability for survival in the wild, and how it can produce healthier lab animals that yield more valid test results. Providing a theoretical framework for the science of environmental enrichment in a variety of settings, the book renews and extends a humane approach to the keeping and conservation of animals.
Download or read book Elephant management written by Robert (Bob) Scholes and published by NYU Press. This book was released on 2008-03-01 with total page 656 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Elephants are among the most magnificent – but also most problematic –members of South Africa's wildlife population. While they are sought after by South African and foreign tourists alike, they also have a major impact on their environment. As a result, elephant management has become a highly complex and often controversial discipline. The information needed to underpin vital decisions about elephant management has largely been unavailable to decision-makers, contested by experts, or simply unknown. As a result, the South African Minister for Environmental Affairs and Tourism convened a round table to advise him on this issue. The round table recommended that a scientific assessment of elephant management be undertaken to gather, evaluate, and present all the relevant information on this topic. Its main findings and recommendations are contained in this volume. Elephant Management is the first book of its kind, combining the work of more than 60 national and international experts. Extensively reviewed by policy-makers and other stakeholders, it is the most systematic and comprehensive review of savanna elephant populations and factors relevant to managing them to date. As such it is of interest to a broad spectrum of readers in South Africa and elsewhere. Above all, it is aimed at helping conservation policy-makers and practitioners to choose the best possible options for the sustainable preservation of these iconic animals.
Download or read book Tempests Poxes Predators and People written by L. Michael Romero and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2016 with total page 625 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most physiological and behavioral mechanisms that comprise the stress response come from laboratory experiments using domesticated animals. This book summarizes work to understand stress in natural contexts. It places modern stress research into an evolutionary context and provides predictions on how wild animals might cope with human-altered habitats.
