Developing welfare parameters for African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in fenced reserves in South Africa.

ABSTRACT: South Africa has many fenced reserves harbouring small to medium sized populations of African elephant (Loxodonta africana), most of which have been translocated. Elephants on fenced reserves may be exposed to various management interventions and practices (translocation, hunting, darting, high tourism impact, contraception programs, disruption due to infrastructure maintenance, etc.). These factors may impact the welfare of elephants. Poor elephant welfare may have serious consequences such as increased inter- and intra-species aggression that could result in fatalities. This is the first study to attempt to define behavioural and physiological welfare parameters for free-ranging elephants on small to medium sized reserves. The eight study sites incorporated reserves with different social

SUBMITTER: Garai ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8947097 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature