Despite Potential Risks African Elephants Do Not Always Avoid Mountaineering.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Zoology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Herbivores typically avoid steep slopes due to high energetic costs and increased fall risk.
• Previous research indicated African elephants (Loxodonta africana) avoid slopes exceeding 15°.
• Resource limitation may compel elephants to utilize steeper terrain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate African elephant slope use in Ithala Game Reserve, South Africa.
• To analyze how slope preference varies by herd type, habitat, and season.
• To determine if elephants utilize steep slopes when food availability is limited.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 8.5 years of elephant positional data (N=23,837 locations).
• Comparison of slope use between breeding herds and male elephants.
• Examination of slope use across different habitat types (woodlands, grasslands, built-up areas) and seasons (wet vs. dry).

Main Results:

• 95% of elephant locations were on slopes <30°, with 67% on slopes <15°.
• Breeding herds utilized slightly steeper slopes (mean 12.6°) than bulls (mean 12.0°).
• Habitat influenced slope use, but differences were minimal and likely not biologically significant; seasonal variation was absent.

Conclusions:

• African elephants primarily prefer and use gentle slopes (<30°).
• Elephants exhibit flexibility, using steeper slopes (>15° and >30°) when necessary for foraging.
• Slope use is influenced by habitat but not significantly by season, with herd type showing minor differences.