PS 45-2
Habitat effects on captive elephant reproduction: a study of size and quality of captive elephant habitats for both Asian and African elephants
Acyclicity, or abnormal reproductive cycle, is a problem in captive elephants. The reason for this is unknown; however, if it is not addressed, captive elephant populations may die out. It is possible that acyclicity is due to environmental stress, including insufficient space in zoos and small group size of the captive elephants, leading researchers to ask whether it is more important to have a large quantity of space or a higher quality of space. This research is designed to address the effects of the size of captive environment on the reproductive status of female elephants. Surveys were sent to 66 zoos in Europe and the United States, asking for information regarding number, type, and sex of elephants, reproductive status, and total area of habitat. Behavioral observations were then conducted at five of the participating zoos within the United States. Biotic and abiotic variables were correlated with reproductive status as reported in surveys. Ethogram data from behavioral observations were quantitatively analyzed using cluster analysis on three categories of behavior: basic, social, and contact.
Results/Conclusions
The results indicate that specific size of the habitat does not have a direct effect, and is not a driving factor of the reproductive status of these animals. Species and age of the elephants did show differences in reproductive status. Social structure and behavior, however, varied. The behavioral observations showed some zoos consistently clustered together, regardless of behavior. The elephants at each location of my observations were so well managed that group structure was manipulated to benefit the elephants, as well as the keepers, and the intent of the exhibit/location. My results suggest that social structure and behavior of captive elephants can be manipulated through maintenance of the captive environment, and may lead to differences in the reproductive status of those females within the habitat.