Addressing Human–Elephant Conflicts in Taita Taveta County, Kenya: Integrating Species Distribution Modeling into Targeted Conservation Strategies

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. e03604 - e03604

Published: April 1, 2025

Language: Английский

---

Data-Driven Insights into Human–Gaur Conflicts: Spatiotemporal Trends and Risk Mapping Across Tamil Nadu, India

Published: May 15, 2025

Human–wildlife conflict (HWC) is one of the most pressing conservation challenges, particularly in shared landscapes where humans and wildlife are adversely affected. Despite various mitigation efforts globally, frequency HWC continues to rise. Among conflict-prone species, Indian gaur (Bos gaurus) has increasingly been involved such interactions across southern India. To support development long-term strategies for Human–Gaur Conflict (HGC), we conducted a comprehensive study using data collected from compensation records 48 forest divisions Tamil Nadu between 2016 2024. We analyzed spatial temporal trends, predicted risk zones ensemble modeling, identified key drivers influencing HGC. Our findings reveal that intensity was highest Nilgiri division, followed by Dharmapuri Kodaikanal. Crop damage predominant type, human injuries, with incident peaks observed during December March. Elevation emerged as influential predictor models, clear positive correlation showing increased rising elevation. The model also 18,335 km² state falls under zones, accounting approximately 14.1% Nadu's total geographical area. This provides critical insights into ecology HGC highlights utility predictive modeling identifying high-risk zones. outcomes can inform conservationists managers designing implementing proactive measures, especially areas have high likelihood future conflict.

Language: Английский

---

Should elephants graze or browse? The nutritional and functional consequences of dietary variation in a mixed-feeding megaherbivore

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 15, 2024

ABSTRACT Unlike specialist browsers and grazers, the diets of mixed-feeding megaherbivores like elephants are complex broad, comprising numerous plant species variable nutritional quality. Here, we revisit an unresolved debate on whether browse is more nutritious than grasses for elephants, as thought to have greater crude protein content. We first analyzed carbon isotopes in 102 fecal samples Asian quantify contribution browsing grazing their diet Nagarahole National Park, southern India. show that predominantly grass-scarce forests, contrast with predominant reported nearby grass-abundant savannas Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. then compared forage quality high-browsing high-grazing by analyzing these two proxies content (CP): nitrogen (N%) Carbon-to-Nitrogen ratio (C:N). Interestingly, did not higher N% or lower C:N (proxies high CP) low-browsing (high-grazing) diets. To explore generality this finding, differences (i.e., CP fibre values) between grass across 141 consumed elephants. woody non-legume browse, which major components elephant do appreciably grasses. Our findings suggest broadly similar value such bulk-feeding mixed feeders. Finally, based observed habitat-wide variation browsing, provide a new framework assessing how shape vegetation forests Asia, important implications conservation cycling.

Language: Английский

---

Assessment of Multiple Model Algorithms and an Ensemble Model to Predict Human–Elephant Conflict in Taita Taveta County, Kenya: Implications for Conservation

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

---