Investigating associations between nematode infection and three measures of sociality in Asian elephants.

ABSTRACT:

Abstract

Frequent social interactions, proximity to conspecifics, and group density are main drivers of infections and parasite transmissions. However, recent theoretical and empirical studies suggest that the health benefits of sociality and group living can outweigh the costs of infection and help social individuals fight infections or increase their infection-related tolerance level. Here, we combine the advantage of studying artificially created social work groups with different demographic compositions with free-range feeding and social behaviours in semi-captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), employed in timber logging in Myanmar. We examine the link between gastro-intestinal nematode load (strongyles and Strongyloides spp.), estimated by faecal egg c

SUBMITTER: Lynsdale CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9232411 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature