A new study conducted by scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in India reveals that elephant herds compete more for food in anthropogenically created grasslands than in forests, even when the former has an abundance of food. The research emphasizes the ecological effects of human activities on wildlife and how such alterations impact the social lives of animals.
The study focused on Asian elephants, which exhibit female-bonded groups, with males primarily solitary. The researchers analyzed data from the long-term Kabini Elephant Project, tracking individual elephants to explore the influence of food distribution within and between group interactions in female-bonded elephants.
The findings indicated that competition between elephant herds is more significant in grasslands, even with abundant food, compared to forests. The study aligns with the predictions of the ecological model of female social relationships, suggesting that food distribution primarily determines competition between and within groups. Increased conflict is expected over abundant and clumped food resources that can be monopolized by groups or individuals.
This study highlights the unintended consequences of anthropogenic changes in natural habitats, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of ecological dynamics to mitigate potential negative impacts on wildlife populations. The research contributes valuable insights into how human interference can alter the social systems of wild populations and affect their ecological behaviors.
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