Search or ask a question

What are the ecological and social implications of elephants occupying diverse habitats across the globe?

Habitat destruction

Best insight from top research papers

Elephants occupying diverse habitats globally face significant ecological and social implications. Habitat loss poses a major threat, with over 60% of suitable elephant habitat lost since the 1700s, leading to declines in suitable ranges and potential exacerbation of human-elephant conflicts . Human-elephant conflicts are a key concern, especially in areas of high habitat suitability for elephants, necessitating holistic approaches for coexistence . Socioeconomic activities like agriculture significantly impact elephant habitats, with activities like paddy cultivation, vegetable growing, and illegal settlements leading to substantial habitat damage and posing challenges to elephant survival . Additionally, elephants exhibit culturally learned behavior in exploiting specific habitats, showcasing sophisticated cognitive capacities and social learning mechanisms . Understanding these implications is crucial for implementing effective conservation strategies and promoting harmonious human-elephant coexistence.

Answers from top 5 papers

PDF

Open Access

More filters

Papers (5)	Insight
Open access•Journal Article•DOI Cascading effects of elephant–human interactions and the role of space and mobility in sustaining biodiversity David Western, Victor Mose - Show less +1 more 01 May 2023-Ecosphere	Elephants occupying diverse habitats can compress vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and impact ecosystems. Historical coexistence with humans highlights the need for landscape-scale connectivity and community-based conservation efforts.
Journal Article•DOI Elephant resource-use traditions Vicki Fishlock, Christine A. Caldwell, Phyllis C. Lee - Show less +2 more 01 Mar 2016-Animal Cognition 32 Citations	Elephants occupying diverse habitats exhibit socially learned cultural behavior, focusing on specific resource sites, leading to long-term traditions, knowledge transfer, and social learning, showcasing their cognitive sophistication and inter-generational information exchange.
Open access•Journal Article•DOI Interactions between Habitats of Asian Elephants and Socioeconomic Factors in the Teknaf Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS), Bangladesh 28 Apr 2022-Environment and Natural Resources Research	Not addressed in the paper.
Journal Article•DOI There will be conflict – agricultural landscapes are prime, rather than marginal, habitats for Asian elephants J. A. de la Torre, Ee Phin Wong, Alex M. Lechner, Alex M. Lechner, N. Zulaikha, A. Zawawi, P. Abdul‐Patah, Salman Saaban, Salman Saaban, Benoit Goossens, Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz, Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz, Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz - Show less +12 more 10 Feb 2021-Animal Conservation 34 Citations	Elephants occupying agricultural landscapes show high habitat suitability, leading to human-elephant conflicts. Mitigation strategies must integrate ecological and social aspects for coexistence.
Open access•Posted Content•DOI The Past, Present and Future of Elephant Landscapes in Asia Shermin de Silva, Tiffany Wu, Alison Thieme, Alison Thieme, Josiah Johnson, Philip J. Nyhus, Jamie Wadey, Thinh Tien Vu, Alexander Mossbrucker, Thy Neang, Becky Shu Chen, Melissa Songer, Peter Leimgruber - Show less +12 more 30 Apr 2020-bioRxiv 7 Citations	Elephants' diverse habitats face significant habitat loss, leading to ecological impacts on biodiversity and social challenges like human-elephant conflicts, emphasizing the need for climate mitigation and social equity measures.

My columns

Related Questions

How does frequency of deer in a location impact biodiversity?5 answersThe frequency of deer in a location significantly impacts biodiversity by altering vegetation structure and composition, ultimately affecting various fauna. High deer densities have been shown to decrease woody plant diversity by 30.4% in Mediterranean ecosystems, leading to biotic homogenization and threatening vegetation dynamics. In lowland deciduous woodlands, deer grazing can directly compete with insect herbivores for plant biomass, affecting the invertebrate community and overall woodland ecosystem. Additionally, deer populations can act as sources exporting individuals to wider landscapes, contributing to range expansion and impacting woodland biodiversity negatively. Conversely, excluding deer from certain areas has been found to increase understory vegetation density and diversity, positively influencing forest bird populations. Effective deer management strategies are crucial to maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health in various habitats.

How does human causes environmental change affect the Asian elephant?5 answersHuman activities have a significant impact on the Asian elephant population and their environment. Anthropogenic disturbances, such as overseas translocation, captivity, and deworming, lead to alterations in the gut microbiome of Asian elephants, affecting their adaptation processes and physiological functions. The intensification of human activity in their natural habitats has resulted in habitat changes, fragmentation, and contraction, leading to increased human-elephant conflicts. Asian elephants have shown a preference for human-dominated areas, primarily to consume crops, resulting in negative interactions between elephants and people. The expansion of rubber forest areas has also affected the population growth rate of Asian elephants, reducing their growth potential. Overall, human-caused environmental changes have disrupted the natural behavior and habitat utilization of Asian elephants, highlighting the need for conservation efforts and strategies to mitigate human-elephant conflicts.

What are the social consequences of globalization?5 answersGlobalization has led to significant social consequences. It has widened inequalities, resulting in poverty and gender imbalances. However, it has also brought about social advantages such as the harmonization of the labor market, development of digital society, and improvement in the quality of life. The process of globalization has disrupted traditional types of authority, ways of doing business, and patterns of social interaction, particularly in developing countries. Additionally, globalization has increased the use of information as a weapon, leading to moral threats that undermine the values and way of life of nations. Overall, globalization has had a major impact on social organization, culture, and politics.

How does biogeography affects dung beetle diversity?5 answersBiogeography affects dung beetle diversity by influencing their colonization patterns and species composition along elevation gradients. Different colonization processes, such as vertical colonization from adjacent lowlands and horizontal colonization from different latitudes, contribute to the species richness-elevation relationship. In mountainous Andean landscapes in Colombia, dung beetle diversity was found to be affected by different habitat types, with forested habitats having higher diversity compared to pastures. Land use and climate also play a role in dung beetle diversity, with agricultural land use negatively impacting abundance and species density, and increasing temperatures reducing community specialization and gamma diversity. Additionally, the availability of dung resources, influenced by the density of large wild herbivores, can affect dung beetle assemblages, with higher dung availability supporting higher species richness. Overall, biogeographic factors, habitat type, land use, and climate all contribute to the diversity of dung beetles.

What are the important studies on human elephant conflict?5 answersStudies on human-elephant conflict have been conducted extensively in various regions, including Assam. These studies aim to understand the causes and effects of the conflict, as well as to find strategies for sustainable coexistence between humans and elephants. One study in Tanzania assessed the area destroyed by elephants per farm and found that it varied based on the distance from protected areas and the type of crops grown. Another study in Sri Lanka focused on the Polonnaruwa district and discussed the challenges faced by elephants in agriculture and farming, as well as the measures taken to reduce conflicts, such as the use of bio fences and electric fences. In India, a study investigated cases of retaliatory killings of elephants and assessed local attitudes towards elephants, highlighting the importance of addressing human-human conflict in conservation efforts. These studies contribute to our understanding of human-elephant conflict and provide insights for effective mitigation strategies.

What are basic facts on Asian Elephants?5 answersAsian elephants (Elephas maximus) are endangered across their range, with declining populations in several countries. The trade in live elephants and elephant ivory is a major concern, with strong links to China in countries like Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. Asian elephants have a significant impact on the structure of rainforests, with their foraging behavior influencing plant composition and abundance. They show a preference for monocots, particularly large palms, while trees are negatively selected. Elephants can damage a large number of tree saplings, potentially affecting forest regeneration and succession. The health of Asian elephants declines with age, with progressive declines in immune and liver functions observed in both males and females. Overall, understanding and addressing the threats to Asian elephants, such as the trade in live elephants and ivory, and their ecological impact, is crucial for their conservation and the preservation of their habitats.

See what other people are reading

What ecological factors influence the nesting site selection of White-bellied Sea Eagles?

The nesting site selection of White-bellied Sea Eagles (WBSE) is influenced by a complex interplay of ecological factors that span physical characteristics of the environment, availability of food resources, and social factors among the species. Studies have shown that WBSEs prefer nesting sites at low altitudes, with less exposure to prevailing winds, and in close proximity to the coast, which likely provides easier access to their aquatic prey. The presence of short, dense, and mature forests, including superdominant trees, is also a critical factor in their habitat selection, as these environments offer suitable nesting structures and potential protection from predators or human disturbance. Food availability plays a significant role in nesting site selection, with areas that provide abundant prey being preferred. This is evident in the preference for nesting sites around areas with frequent whirlpools, which stun aquatic animals, making them easier prey for the WBSEs. Such ecological dynamics underscore the importance of selecting sites that enhance breeding success and, by extension, the survival of the species. Social factors, including the presence of other nesting WBSEs, can also influence site selection. While specific studies on WBSEs regarding social factors were not detailed in the provided contexts, research on other avian species suggests that social attraction and the presence of conspecific or heterospecific nests can play a role in nest site selection. This could imply that WBSEs may also exhibit similar behaviors, choosing sites based on the presence of other eagles to capitalize on communal benefits such as enhanced vigilance against predators. Moreover, the selection of nesting sites with specific characteristics, such as high elevation in trees and proximity to water bodies, reflects an adaptive strategy to optimize foraging efficiency and minimize predation risk. The preference for nesting in tall trees, particularly those over 10 meters high on lateral branch-forks, within a kilometer of water bodies, further highlights the species' reliance on specific habitat features for breeding success. In summary, the nesting site selection of White-bellied Sea Eagles is influenced by a combination of physical habitat characteristics, food availability, and possibly social factors, all of which are crucial for optimizing breeding success and ensuring the survival of the species.How does heritage tourism contribute to cultural preservation and education?

Heritage tourism plays a crucial role in cultural preservation and education by integrating various elements of heritage into tourist products, contributing to sustainable regional development. It helps in the dissemination, recognition, and appreciation of heritage, while also posing a strategy to resolve tensions between heritage and tourism through heritage education. By exploring heritage tourism destinations, we understand how places become designated as sites of heritage and provide authentic heritage experiences, encompassing natural sites and those related to human culture and history. Additionally, virtual cultural heritage tourism has been shown to have a significant social education effect, similar to realistic cultural heritage tourism, by enhancing tourists' place imagination, experience memory, and affective attachment, ultimately promoting the practice of virtual cultural heritage tourism.What are the long-term effects of varying planting densities on crop yield and quality?

The long-term effects of varying planting densities on crop yield and quality are multifaceted, influenced by crop type, environmental conditions, and management practices. For cotton, higher planting densities were more efficient in weed reduction, but lower densities improved yield-related traits and fiber quality, with bed sowing and lower densities enhancing crop morphology and yield. In wheat, an optimal planting density was identified that maximized yield, water utilization efficiency, and grain quality, indicating that beyond a certain density, yield gains diminish. Similarly, for sater, increased plant density reduced individual plant yields but increased overall dry leaf and volatile oil yield per unit area, with specific spacing combinations yielding the highest outputs. In grapevines, high planting densities were detrimental to both yield potential and fruit quality, suggesting that lower densities favor better microclimate conditions within the canopy. For Chinese fir, optimal density and site management enhanced large-diameter timber yield, with lower densities favoring growth under better site conditions. Maize, cotton, and soybean studies showed that increased densities did not necessarily penalize yield if managed to avoid intraspecific competition, with soybeans adapting well to higher densities. In maize, moderate planting densities with density-tolerant cultivars improved yield stability and resource use efficiency in semi-arid regions. Sorghum ratoon cropping benefited from specific nitrogen and planting density combinations, enhancing yield and quality for both main and ratoon crops. Soybean varieties responded differently to planting densities, with moderate increases improving yield in certain varieties by optimizing leaf area index and dry matter distribution. Lastly, high-density planting in fruit crops has been shown to increase productivity per unit area without sacrificing quality, highlighting the importance of species-specific strategies. These findings collectively underscore the importance of optimizing planting densities to balance between maximizing yield and maintaining or enhancing crop quality, with the optimal density varying significantly across different crops and environmental conditions.What are the long-term effects of varying planting densities on plant yield and quality?

The long-term effects of varying planting densities on plant yield and quality are multifaceted and species-specific, influenced by factors such as plant type, environmental conditions, and management practices. For Chinese fir, optimal site conditions and controlled planting density are crucial for maximizing large-diameter timber yield, with lower densities favoring the growth of large-diameter timber, especially in higher site quality conditions. In wheat, a higher planting density was found to enhance yield, water utilization efficiency, and grain quality, indicating a positive correlation between density and productivity up to an optimal point. Similarly, for sater (Satureja hortensis L.), increased plant density led to higher dry leaf and volatile oil yield per unit area, despite reducing yield components of individual plants. Conversely, in grapevines, high planting density was detrimental to both yield potential and fruit quality, suggesting that excessively close spacing can compromise plant growth and productivity. Cannabis plants showed that higher planting densities affected the spatial standardization and concentrations of cannabinoids, with implications for medical potency variability. Soybean studies revealed that moderate increases in planting density could enhance leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, and yield, particularly in varieties with strong meristem regulation. Maize research highlighted that while increasing planting density can improve yield through enhanced lodging resistance and density tolerance, there is a non-linear relationship between yield and plant density, especially under semi-arid conditions. Excessively high planting densities in Chinese fir were shown to negatively impact soil fertility, suggesting a balance is needed to maintain long-term productivity. Lastly, in maize-based intercropping systems, higher plant densities increased yield and improved photosynthetic characteristics and leaf anatomy, indicating a beneficial interaction between density and cropping pattern. In summary, while higher planting densities can enhance yield and quality to a certain extent, there is a threshold beyond which negative effects begin to outweigh the benefits, with the optimal density varying by species and environmental conditions.Why there is no significant difference of environmental effects of Tourism to the age and sex of local community?

The lack of significant differences in the environmental effects of tourism based on age and sex of the local community can be attributed to various factors highlighted in the research.While younger and more educated individuals tend to show greater interest in learning about natural and cultural resources, they also express concerns about negative environmental impacts of tourism. On the other hand, individuals with higher household incomes or living farther from the village center are more likely to be concerned about the negative environmental impacts of tourism development. Additionally, gender plays a role, with males and those with higher household incomes being more supportive of tourism development within reserves. These nuances in attitudes and concerns across different demographic groups contribute to the overall perception of environmental effects of tourism within the local community.What are the advantages, disadvantages and implication in financing sugarcane production from personal funds?

Financing sugarcane production from personal funds offers autonomy and avoids interest payments, as seen in the study on borrower and non-borrower sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu. However, relying solely on personal funds may limit the scale of operations and hinder access to advanced technologies, impacting yield potential and efficiency. Studies in Zimbabwe highlight the financial challenges faced by sugarcane out-growers, emphasizing the need for external funding and training to enhance resource utilization and income generation. Additionally, research in Pakistan underscores the importance of agricultural credit in adopting modern farming techniques and increasing production, suggesting that access to financing resources is crucial for sugarcane cultivation. Implications include the need for supportive policies, training, and partnerships to optimize sugarcane production and financial sustainability.What are the traditional methodologies for land suitability assessment ?

Traditional methodologies for land suitability assessment include parametric approaches and determining soil texture. These methods have been widely used in the past for evaluating land suitability for agriculture. Parametric approaches involve assessing soil properties like pH, cation exchange capacity, and organic carbon content to determine suitability for different crops. On the other hand, traditional methods also focus on determining soil texture as a key parameter for land suitability evaluation. These conventional techniques have been foundational in assessing land suitability for various agricultural commodities like leafy vegetables, carrots, apples, and coffee. While traditional methods have been effective, modern approaches such as multi-criteria decision-making methods and machine learning are gaining popularity due to their enhanced accuracy and efficiency.Why there is no significant difference of economic effects of Tourism to the demographic profile of local community?

The lack of significant difference in the economic effects of tourism on the demographic profile of local communities can be attributed to various factors highlighted in the research papers. Studies show that community participation in tourism development is influenced by socio-demographic characteristics like gender and income, with men often showing greater participation than women. Additionally, the level of local people's participation in tourism activities may not significantly influence economic impacts, as seen in the case of Community-Based Tourism in Kintamani. Furthermore, the uneven distribution of benefits, where non-local individuals enjoy the majority of tourism assets and well-paid jobs, while the local community does not receive its fair share, contributes to the lack of significant economic differences based on demographic profiles.Childhood trauma How does climate change impact biodiversity?

Childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on individuals. Climate change is significantly impacting biodiversity. The rise in atmospheric CO2 levels and temperature shifts are altering ecosystems, leading to changes in species interactions and ranges. Insects, crucial for ecosystems and agriculture, are particularly vulnerable to these changes, affecting crop production and food security. Global warming is triggering shifts in insect populations, potentially leading to increased crop damage and reduced effectiveness of pest management strategies. Additionally, climate change synergistically interacts with other factors like habitat loss, invasive species, and nutrient enrichment, further threatening biodiversity. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the consequences of climate change on biodiversity.Donkey meat trade in Ghana

The donkey meat trade in Ghana is influenced by various factors such as the demand for donkey hides for Traditional Chinese Medicine e’jiao, leading to the loss of donkeys to the meat market and global hides trade. Health-related issues in donkeys, including gastrointestinal problems and blood parasites, have been identified in Ghana, impacting the overall health and potentially the quality of donkey meat. Livelihood studies show that donkeys play a significant role in providing income benefits to owners, with female owners reporting that donkeys can contribute up to 30-60% of their income. Additionally, the development of agricultural value chains in Northern Ghana affects the trade dynamics, with live animal trade being south-orientated due to locational advantages, potentially impacting the pricing of animals, including donkeys.Does sweet potato can be used as organic fertilizer?

Sweet potato itself is not typically used as an organic fertilizer; however, various studies have explored the use of different organic fertilizers to enhance sweet potato growth. Research has shown that the application of organic fertilizers like sheep manure, poultry manure, cow dung, mushroom residue, and commercial organic fertilizers can significantly improve soil quality and sweet potato yield. These organic fertilizers, when used alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizers, have been found to promote greater growth, increase root dry matter content, enhance protein content, and improve overall sweet potato production. Therefore, while sweet potato itself is not a direct organic fertilizer, the use of various organic fertilizers can indeed benefit sweet potato cultivation by improving soil fertility and crop yield.