Study Reveals Elephants Strategically Conserve Energy During Movements
A 22-year analysis of African elephants in Northern Kenya highlights energy-efficient movement strategies shaped by terrain, resources, and water access, offering critical insights for conservation planning.
- Researchers tracked 157 elephants over 22 years using GPS data, uncovering energy-saving behaviors in their movements.
- 94% of elephants avoided steep slopes and rough terrain, prioritizing energy-efficient paths, especially at higher speeds.
- Elephants showed a 93% preference for resource-rich areas with higher vegetation productivity, emphasizing the role of food availability.
- Water availability influenced movement decisions, though individual elephants exhibited diverse patterns regarding proximity to water sources.
- The ENERSCAPE modeling method was used to estimate energy costs, providing actionable insights for designing protected areas and migration corridors.
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