Analysis of Elephant Movement in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ecological, Climatic, and Conservation Perspectives

authored by: Matthew Hines, Gregory Glatzer, Shreya Ghosh, Prasenjit Mitra
Abstract: The interaction between elephants and their environment has profound implications for both ecology and conservation strategies. This study presents an analytical approach to decipher the intricate patterns of elephant movement in Sub-Saharan Africa, concentrating on key ecological drivers such as seasonal variations and rainfall patterns. Despite the complexities surrounding these influential factors, our analysis provides a holistic view of elephant migratory behavior in the context of the dynamic African landscape. Our comprehensive approach enables us to predict the potential impact of these ecological determinants on elephant migration, a critical step in establishing informed conservation strategies. This projection is particularly crucial given the impacts of global climate change on seasonal and rainfall patterns, which could substantially influence elephant movements in the future. The findings of our work aim to not only advance the understanding of movement ecology but also foster a sustainable coexistence of humans and elephants in Sub-Saharan Africa. By predicting potential elephant routes, our work can inform strategies to minimize human-elephant conflict, effectively manage land use, and enhance anti-poaching efforts. This research underscores the importance of integrating movement ecology and climatic variables for effective wildlife management and conservation planning.
Organisation(s): L3S Research Centre
External Organisation(s): Pennsylvania State University
Type: Conference contribution
Pages: 1-11
No. of pages: 11
Publication date: 16.08.2023
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Computer Networks and Communications, Hardware and Architecture, Environmental Science (miscellaneous), Geography, Planning and Development
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 13 - Climate Action, SDG 15 - Life on Land
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2307.11325 (Access: Open)
https://doi.org/10.1145/3588001.3609357 (Access: Closed)