Home range establishment of translocated African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in a savanna environment
Date
2023-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
Data from nine female African elephants translocated to Hurungwe Safari Area that had been collared was used to estimate home range patterns. Monthly home ranges for each elephant were estimated using the 50% and 95% Kernel Density Estimates (KDEs) method for a period of 20 months following translocation. At the population level, a linear regression model was used to test for the effect of months from release on the home range patterns. The findings revealed that the 95% home range of the elephants increased over time, while the 50% home range decreased since their initial release. I went further to compare the individual differences using the generalised additive model. The results showed some individual differences in patterns of exploration, with some displaying more linear home range patterns than others. Over and above, a considerably positive and relevant relationship between time and variation in the extent of the home range was observed.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science (In Resource Conservation Biology) to the Faculty of Science, School of Animal, Plants and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023.
Keywords
African elephant, Home range, Translocation, Linear regression model, Generalised additive model, Savanna, Zimbabwe, UCTD
Citation
Ngorima, Patmore. (2023). Home range establishment of translocated African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in a savanna environment. [Master's dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/42558