Environmental Sodium as a Factor in the Behavior and Distribution of African Elephants

Wheelock, Naomi D.

doi:10.22237/elephant/1521731760

Cited by 11 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Therefore, even at high sodium concentration, the plants resist chlorosis and rapid browning off as compared with salt sensitive plant species. Therefore, species that are found on salt licks have higher mineral concentration, and these areas are selected for grazing (Wheelock, 1980; McNaughton, 1988).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Explaining grass‐nutrient patterns in a savanna rangeland of southern Africa

Mutanga¹,

Prins²,

Skidmore³

et al. 2004

Journal of Biogeography

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Aim The search for possible factors influencing the spatial variation of grass quality is an important step towards understanding the distribution of herbivores, as well as a step towards identifying crucial areas for conservation and restoration. A number of studies have shown that grass quality at a regional scale is influenced by climatic variables. At a local scale, site factors and their interaction are considered important. In this study, we aimed at examining environmental correlates of grass quality at a local scale. The study also sought to establish if biotic factors interact significantly with abiotic factors in influencing a variation in grass quality.Location The study area is located in the Kruger National Park of South Africa. The study area stretches from west (22°49¢ S and 31°01¢ E) to east, (22°44¢ S and 31°22¢ E) covering an area of about 25 · 6 km in the far northern region of the Kruger National Park.Methods We collected environmental data such as soil texture, percentage grass cover and biomass as well as grass samples for chemical analysis from specific locations in the study area. In addition, a digital elevation model (DEM) with a resolution of 5 m was used to derive elevation, slope and aspect using a geographic information system (GIS), which were related to grass quality. We used correlation analysis and anova to relate environmental variables to grass quality. Multivariate analysis techniques were used to simultaneously analyse and explore the complex interactions between variables. Results and conclusionsOur results indicate that there is a significant relationship between grass quality parameters and site-specific factors such as slope, altitude, percentage grass cover, aspect and soil texture. Relatively, percentage grass cover and soil texture were more critical in explaining a variation in grass quality. Plant characteristics such as species type interact significantly with slope, altitude and geology in influencing nutrient distribution. The results of this study may give a better insight on foliar nutrient distribution patterns at a landscape scale in savanna rangelands. Furthermore, the results of this study may help in the selection of ancillary information, which could be used in conjunction with other data such as remotely sensed data to map grass quality -an important step towards understanding the distribution and feeding patterns of wildlife. However, we acknowledge that this study is based on one seasonal snapshot, therefore some slightly different findings may be obtained during other times of the year. Nevertheless, the study has revealed that under the conditions experienced during the study period, nutrient distribution varies with varying biotic and abiotic factors.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Explaining grass‐nutrient patterns in a savanna rangeland of southern Africa

Mutanga¹,

Prins²,

Skidmore³

et al. 2004

Journal of Biogeography

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“…It could be that it was inadvertently consumed with food when in the circus in Florida. Alternatively, it may have been eaten for its salt and/or mineral content (see Wheelock, 1980). Horses in Florida are known to consume sand accidentally with their food (Overbeck, pers.…”

Section: Mckaymentioning

confidence: 99%

On the Dissection of a Female Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus maxiums Linnaeus, 1758) and Data from Other Elephants

Shoshani

1982

Elephant

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This elephantine project would have been virtually impossible without the tremendous help received from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, various departments within Wayne State University, the numerous individuals involved, and the anonymous donors. The officials and other individuals at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (Irvin and Kenneth Feld, Daniel C. Laughlin, Franz Tisch, Jim "Chico" Williams) were generous, very understanding and accommodating. With regard to the departments within the University, the following deserve special credit: Department of Biological Sciences

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“…Hormonal and neural mechanisms are the major regulator for salt appetite; crowding and stress, however, increase aldosterone secretion and increase salt intake (see summary in Wheelock, 1980).…”

Section: B Herbivores Minerals and Salt Balancementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Above-ground elephant salt-licks have been documented in the literature for Africa (Roosevelt, 1910;Weir, 1969Weir, , 1972Weir, , 1973, for Asia (Hubback, 1939;Morris, 1933; see also Fig. 5), and for North America (Jones andHanson, 1985, Holman et al, 1988) and a review on the subject has been provided by Wheelock (1980). Underground elephant salt-licks have been documented only at MENP by Sutcliffe (1973), Redmond (1981Redmond ( , 1982aRedmond ( -c, 1983Redmond ( , 1984aRedmond ( -c, 1986aRedmond ( -b, 1987a and as a result of the Operation Drake work and MEECRP, by various popular authors (Jackman, 1982;Blashford-Snell, 1981Hadley, 1985;Anonymous, 1987).…”

Section: B Herbivores Minerals and Salt Balancementioning

confidence: 99%

Mount Elgon's Elephants Are in Peril

Redmond¹,

Shoshani

1987

Elephant

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The elephants at Mount Elgon National Park (MENP) are unique and exceptional. They are the only elephants known to excavate for salt in underground caves. Data on the ecology of elephants at MENP were collected over a period of seven years with a total of 130 days of field observations. Methods employed included: direct observations, spoor, photographs, and sound recording. Elephants visited the caves singly or in groups of up to 19 individuals; visits lasted up to 6 hours in Kitum and Makingeny Caves. Most visits began around dusk, but occasionally they entered in daytime or later at night. The frequency of visits by elephants to the caves seemed to increase as the rainfall decreased. Also observed at the caves were bats, ungulates, monkeys, rodents, carnivores, birds, and insects. Plants, rocks, and water samples are being analyzed. It appears that the formation of these caves resulted from the combined "efforts" of salt mining and/or eating activities over millions of years by elephants and other animals and also by pastoral African tribes. In the early 1970's the elephant population in MENP was estimated to be 1,200 ± 100; today perhaps only 50-130 are left. This decline of 10-to 26-fold is mostly due to ivory poaching, which increased dramatically since 1986. If this trend continues, Mount Elgon's already depleted elephant population will become extinct. This would also mean the end of the unprecedented mining behavior-a potential tourist attraction comparable to Rwanda's mountain gorillas in its appeal to tourists. Recommendations and proposals for action include publicity and fund-raising in order to better equip and enlarge anti-poacher patrols, to encourage controlled tourism, and to define research and conservation work related to Mount Elgon's ecosystem.

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Environmental Sodium as a Factor in the Behavior and Distribution of African Elephants

Abstract: Abstract:African elephants ingest substances which are rich in sodium. High sodium levels in available water also attract elephants.

Cited by 11 publications

References 10 publications

Explaining grass‐nutrient patterns in a savanna rangeland of southern Africa

Explaining grass‐nutrient patterns in a savanna rangeland of southern Africa

On the Dissection of a Female Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus maxiums Linnaeus, 1758) and Data from Other Elephants

Mount Elgon's Elephants Are in Peril

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