The elephants were divided into 4 age, adolescents (10-15 and 16-20 years), and grownups (21-25 and 26+ years).
The results found that with fewer old bull elephants around, elephants were most likely to be aggressive towards non-elephant targets such as vehicles, animals, and other species.
Male elephants. Credit: Connie Allen
The adolescent elephants, in specific, were more aggressive and afraid to non-elephant targets when they were alone compared to with other males. This shows that socially isolated teenagers might likewise be an increased hazard to people.
” Our research study draws attention to what is frequently a rather neglected area in animal habits; that of the complex relationships and connections that take place between males in non-breeding all-male societies,” said lead author Connie Allen of Exeters Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour.
” It appears the presence of more knowledgeable, older elephants in groups may play a key function in keeping the younger, less knowledgeable males calm and reducing their perception of their current risk level, which means theres less risk of aggression towards humans and other types.
” Alternatively, older bulls might police other males hostility directed towards non-elephant targets.”
Male elephants. Credit: Connie Allen
Teacher Darren Croft, of the University of Exeter, stated understanding the reasons for aggression in male elephants is vital for lowering human-elephant dispute.
” Old male bull elephants are often considered redundant and are targeted for trophy hunting,” he stated.
” These new outcomes highlight the crucial function that old male elephants can play in forming the behavior of more youthful males, which are more aggressive in the absence of old bulls– consisting of towards automobiles.
” These findings supply an essential message for wildlife managers and suggest that the elimination of old male elephants from populations could result in a boost in human-wildlife conflict.”
Associate Professor Lauren Brent, of the University of Exeter, said: “Elephants are highly social animals. This study plainly reveals how wildlife management can be informed by how elephants respond and interact to each other.
” Future research on social behavior will continue to improve preservation efforts of this renowned types.”
Recommendation: “Reduced older male existence connected to increased rates of aggressiveness to non-conspecific targets in male elephants” 21 December 2021, Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Male elephant. Credit: Connie Allen
Male elephants are more aggressive when less older males exist, brand-new research suggests.
The research study, by the University of Exeter, recommends that the removal of old male elephants, which are frequently the targets of prize searching, might lead to increased human-wildlife dispute.
The study, in collaboration with Elephants for Africa, took a look at the behavior of 281 male elephants in an all-male location in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana, over a period of three years.