Skip to main content
Kent Academic Repository

Elephant pathway use in a human‐dominated landscape

Tiller, Lydia, Humle, Tatyana, Amin, Rajan, Humphries, Amie, Seaman, David, Sitati, Noah, Smith, Robert J. (2024) Elephant pathway use in a human‐dominated landscape. Wildlife Biology, . Article Number e01204. ISSN 0909-6396. E-ISSN 1903-220X. (doi:10.1002/wlb3.01204) (KAR id:106462)

Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation are two of the biggest threats facing wildlife today. Understanding the role of wildlife pathways in connecting resource areas is key for maintaining landscape connectivity, reducing the impacts of habitat loss and helping address human–wildlife conflict. In this study, we used sign surveys and camera trapping to understand the fine scale movement of elephants moving between a protected area and agricultural zone in the Masai Mara, Kenya. We used generalised linear models to determine factors driving high frequency of pathway use by elephants. Our results showed strong seasonal trends in pathway use, with peaks coinciding with the dry season. However, no correlations between rainfall and pathway use were found. Temporal patterns of pathway use indicate that elephants use risk avoidance strategies by moving between the two areas at times of low human disturbance. Spatial analysis revealed that the most frequently used pathways were closer to farms, saltlicks and forest and those that had a higher percentage of forest cover. Our models also showed a positive relationship between pathway use and the number of elephant crop raiding incidents, highlighting that pathways can play a role in human–elephant conflict. As habitat loss continues, pathways may become more important for linking resources. However, they are also likely to facilitate movement into farmland. The results from this study provide an opportunity for planned management activities to ensure connectivity and to mitigated conflict.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1002/wlb3.01204
Uncontrolled keywords: human–wildlife conflict; pathways; Loxodonta africana; land-use planning; connectivity
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Funders: Rufford Foundation (https://ror.org/02bxrrf91)
Chester Zoo (https://ror.org/01ysrp540)
SWORD Depositor: JISC Publications Router
Depositing User: JISC Publications Router
Date Deposited: 03 Jul 2024 11:24 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Jul 2024 11:09 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/106462 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Humle, Tatyana.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1919-631X
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Seaman, David.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Smith, Robert J..

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1599-9171
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.