| Accommodation in: | Addo | Kirkwood | Sundays | Zuurberg | Addo Elephant Park | Port Elizabeth |
Latest dung analysis to hone Addo research
www.MyAddo.co.za: SCIENTISTS have developed new technology that allows researchers working in game reserves to analyse the dung of animals on site.
South African National Parks said the technological breakthrough was made by Smithsonian National Zoological Park scientists in the US.
Previously, researchers had to use a complicated technique with specialised equipment, and dung samples had to be exported to the US for analysis. Now researchers can use a field kit that analyses hormones in fresh dung in the field.
SANParks said dung samples were a powerful tool because they provided information on sex, DNA, reproductive status, stress levels, diet and health.
Researchers in Addo Elephant National Park were using the technique to test for various hormones in elephant dung to build a more detailed picture of how the Addo elephant population functions.
Some of the topics researchers will focus on are the onset of sexual maturity, the occurrence of ovulation and pregnancy, foetal abortion and the effect of dominance on reproductive cycles.
“Questions such as whether dominance of an elephant cow affects her oestrous periods, and the length of time between successive calves, and whether rainfall patterns influence conception and birthing intervals will be asked,” SANParks said.
The dung analysis technique will also be used on Addo‘s rhino populations.
“The collection of information from the dung of this often elusive animal will significantly aid monitoring of the health and reproductive status of what is a critically endangered species,” SANParks said.
Another focus of research on Addo‘s elephants was on the sexual dimorphism of the juveniles. From as young as two years, male and female elephants begin to show different types of behaviour, practising for their adult roles.
“Males begin to engage in mock-fighting and independent behaviour, while females tend to engage in mothering roles and focus on cementing family bonds.”
There are 450 elephants in the Addo Park.
Source: Herald Online