Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

African elephants (Loxodonta africana) are currently endangered due to significant habitat loss caused primarily by human activities. As keystone species, conservation efforts are important to maintain a functional ecosystem. Previous studies on elephants and other animals have shown that lunar phases can influence their activity patterns. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate how the moon influence the activity and migration behaviour of African elephants in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and to identify patterns that could help develop strategies to minimize human-elephant conflicts. To achieve this, camera trap images from three corridors in Ol Pejeta Conservancy were analyzed. Total activity and movement in and out of the conservancy were examined in relation to moon illumination and distance. A moonlight index combining both illumination and distance, was calculated. The results showed that activity was highest during periods of low moonlight, near the new moon, and increased again a bit during periods of high moonlight, near the full moon. The circadian rhythm of the elephants was affected by different moonlight index, with increased movement in and out of the conservancy during low moonlight conditions. Nighttime activity was not significantly influenced by moonlight, but daytime activity shows a more pronounced difference. Generally, movement into Ol Pejeta Conservancy was higher in the morning and forenoon, while movement out was higher in the afternoon and before midnight. In conclusion the moon likely influences elephant activity indirectly by affecting the activity patterns of lions and humans. Elephants probably increased their movement during low light to avoid lions, which are more active during new moons, making the conservancy more dangerous at night. Conversely, outside the conservancy, human-elephant conflicts are more prevalent during the day, making those areas safer at night. This can explain elephants going into the conservancy during the morning and forenoon and out of the conservancy during the afternoon and night. Additionally, increased moonlight may facilitate foraging at night.