Taming age mortality in semi-captive Asian elephants

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Animal Ecology
• Wildlife Management

Background:

• The global Asian elephant population has declined significantly, with over 25% now in captivity.
• Effective management of captive populations is crucial for species survival.
• Juvenile mortality heavily limits the population growth of captive Asian elephants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess factors associated with increased mortality of Asian elephant calves aged 4.0-5.5 years during the taming process in Myanmar.
• To identify specific risks and vulnerable individuals within this captive population.
• To inform management strategies for improving the sustainability of captive Asian elephant populations.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal survival data analysis of 1,947 taming-aged calves over 43 years.
• Statistical assessment of mortality risk factors, including age at taming and maternal experience.
• Comparison of mortality trends before and after the year 2000.

Main Results:

• Calf mortality risk increased by over 50% at the taming age of four years.
• Calves tamed at younger ages and those with less experienced mothers faced higher mortality risks.
• Taming-age survival rates significantly improved after 2000, tripling since the 1970s.

Conclusions:

• Taming is a critical period associated with elevated mortality risk for young Asian elephants.
• Management interventions should prioritize reducing risks for vulnerable calves, such as those tamed young or first-born.
• Implementing targeted management changes can enhance the sustainability of captive Asian elephant populations.