Social and seasonal factors contribute to shifts in male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) foraging and activity patterns in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
posted on 2021-08-24, 08:11authored byKara du PlessisKara du Plessis, Stefanie Ganswindt, André Ganswindt, Henk J. Bertschinger, Michelle Henley, Bruce Crossey, Mmatsawela Ramahlo
The dataset includes observations made from six radio-collared elephant bulls which were observed twice per week from June 2007-June 2008 in the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. These observations were made ad libitum and include the percentage time the six bulls spent foraging and resting. With foraging further divided into grazing, browsing, mixed feeding and time spent feeding others. The season (wet versus dry) these observations were made in was also noted as well as the time of day (before noon versus after noon). Finally, whether the bulls were in or out of musth was also observed as well as the associations they formed (alone, with other males only; or with females regardless of the presence of other males).
Funding
Claude Leon Foundation
Novartis/SAVF Wildlife Research Fund
University of Pretoria
History
Department/Unit
Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute