Elephants Behavior and Conservation

About this book

This volume compiles more than twenty years of behavioural research on the three living species of elephants in Africa and Asia (African Savannah, African Forest, and Asian elephant), together with their implications for conserving and managing wild elephant populations. The theoretical background, key terminology and findings are explained and presented in engaging language accessible to a wide range of non-specialists, from students to seasoned professionals. By viewing data from numerous studies through a comparative evolutionary perspective, the similarities and distinctions among species and populations come into clear relief, providing insight into the complexities of protecting these charismatic yet highly threatened mega-herbivores. Rather than mere exposition of what is known, readers are invited to reflect on the additional questions and puzzles that are still in need of answers, in the hope of inspiring a new generation of researchers and conservationists.

Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgements

1. Introduction
2. Elephant evolution
3. Female social life
4. Reproduction & male social relationships
5. Elephants in ecosystems
6. Space use
7. Communication and Cognition
8. Conflict and coexistence: ecological, political or psychological?

References
Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Shermin R. de Silva is a Professor in Ecology Behavior and Evolution at the University of California, San Diego. She is a founder of the US-based conservation non-profit Trunks & Leaves. She directs the Udawalawe Elephant Research Project in Sri Lanka and is a member of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).