Wild-captive interactions and economics drive dynamics of Asian elephants in Laos.

ABSTRACT: The interactions between wild and captive populations of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) persist in most countries of the species distribution, notably through the reproduction between captive females and wild males. However, these complex interactions have been poorly studied, despite their relevance for conservation of this endangered species. Laos has a centuries-long tradition of raising Asian elephants. Besides being cultural icons, captive elephants are inextricably linked to economics through their work in forestry. Using an ecological-economic model, we investigated the effect of socio-economic strategies on fecundity of the Lao population whose dynamics is shaped by human practices. We demonstrated that fecundity is impacted by: i) the dynamics of the wild elephant pool through

SUBMITTER: Maurer G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5665948 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature