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55 results for “Asian elephant”
Age estimation of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) based on DNA methylation: An exploratory analysis using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM)
<p>Age is an important parameter for bettering the understanding of biodemographic trends-development, survival, reproduction and environmental effects-critical for conservation. However, current age estimation methods are challenging to apply to many species, and no standardised technique has been adopted yet. This study examined the potential use of methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM), a labour, time, and cost-effective method to estimate chronological age from DNA methylation in Asian elephants (<em>Elephas maximus</em>). The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy and validation of MS-HRM use for age determination in long-lived species, such as Asian elephants. The average lifespan of Asian elephants is between 50-70 years but some have been known to survive for more than 80 years. DNA was extracted from 53 blood samples of captive Asian elephants across 11 zoos in Japan, with known ages ranging from a few months to 65 years. Methylation rates of two candidate age-related epigenetic genes, <em>RALYL</em> and <em>TET2,</em> were significantly correlated with chronological age. Finally, we established a linear, unisex age estimation model with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 7.36 years. This exploratory study suggests an avenue to further explore MS-HRM as an alternative method to estimate the chronological age of Asian elephants.</p>
Sex-specific body mass aging trajectories in adult Asian elephants
<p><span>In species with marked sexual dimorphism, the classic prediction is that the sex which undergoes stronger intrasexual competition ages earlier or quicker. However, more recently, alternative hypotheses have been put forward, showing that this association can be disrupted. Here, we utilise a unique, longitudinal dataset of a semi-captive population of Asian elephants (<em>Elephas maximus</em>), a species with marked male-biased intrasexual competition, with males being larger and having shorter lifespans, and investigate whether males show earlier and/or faster body mass ageing than females. We found evidence of sex-specific body mass ageing trajectories: adult males gained weight up to the age of 48 years old, followed by a decrease in body mass until natural death. In contrast, adult females gained body mass with age until a body mass decline in the last year of life. Our study shows sex-specific ageing patterns, with an earlier onset of body mass declines in males than females, which is consistent with the predictions of the classical theory of ageing.</span></p>
Challenges and Realities in Asian Elephant Research: A Global Bibliometric Analysis Highlighting Conservation Crises and Collaborative Opportunities
<p><span>The Asian elephant (<em>Elephas maximus</em>), also known as Asiatic elephant is facing a significant decline in its wild populations due to habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, leading to increased conflicts between humans and elephants. Preserving this iconic species is crucial, prompting researchers to explore various aspects of its biology, behavior, ecology, and conservation efforts. </span><span>In light of the profound importance of this subject</span><span>, this study utilizes a descriptive systematic literature review (SLR) to examine global research trends on Asian elephants. Analyzing a dataset of 1,780 articles spanning from 1914 to 2022, the study reveals a notable increase in publications, particularly since 2000, with 142 articles published in 2022 alone. This research provides a comprehensive overview of advancements in Asian elephant studies, promoting international collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers. While research from leading scientific countries can aid in conservation efforts, there is a call for more inclusive, participatory and fair approaches. The study demonstrates a commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) by adopting a multifaceted approach that considers the needs, perspectives and contributions of diverse stakeholders. By addressing disparities and advocating for social justice within elephant conservation, the study emphasizes the urgent need for collective action in conservation, welfare improvement, conflict resolution, ecosystem balance, and overall enhancement of understanding about Asian elephants. Serving as a valuable resource for policymakers, conservation organizations, and researchers, the study not only synthesizes existing literature but also identifies research gaps, highlights areas requiring immediate attention, and offers collaborative opportunities for global scientists to contribute to the well-being and preservation of this majestic species.</span></p>
Fig. 3 in A standardised faecal collection protocol for intestinal helminth egg counts in Asian elephants, Elephas maximus
Fig. 3. Pairwise comparisons of faecal egg counts (in EPG) for samples taken from different faecal boluses produced in one defecation event of (a) first and middle boluses, (b) first and last boluses, (c) middle and last boluses, all with 95% confidence intervals. For each of (a‾c) 40 samples collected from 20 elephants. Data collected for one elephant not shown, with one extreme data point removed in each of a‾c, to allow for better presentation of plots.
Fig. 2 in A standardised faecal collection protocol for intestinal helminth egg counts in Asian elephants, Elephas maximus
Fig. 2. Regression of the faecal egg counts (in EPG) for samples taken of the centre and edge of a single faecal bolus with 95% confidence intervals, 474 samples collected from 119 elephants.
Fig. 1 in A standardised faecal collection protocol for intestinal helminth egg counts in Asian elephants, Elephas maximus
Fig. 1. Averaged helminth egg counts for every elephant host sampled for each experiment; investigating egg distribution within (a) an individual bolus (centre and edge samples), 474 samples from 119 elephants and (b) multiple boluses (centre and edge samples from different boluses), 120 samples from 20 elephants, (c) when determining optimal sampling time, 94 samples from 47 elephants, and (d) if storage methods had any impact on egg recovery during faecal egg counts (FEC), 132 samples from 33 elephants. Helminth eggs were always aggregated within host elephants, with few hosts having substantial parasite burdens (in excess of 200 EPG) and the majority having none or insubstantial levels of infection.
Fig. 4 in A standardised faecal collection protocol for intestinal helminth egg counts in Asian elephants, Elephas maximus
Fig. 4. Faecal egg counts (in EPG) were significantly decreased in samples which had been stored in 10% formalin or 10% formol saline in comparison to subsamples collected at the same time but analysed as fresh, without storage in fixative solution. This figure is based on 132 samples collected from 33 elephants, with data lying between the first and third quartiles as represented by the top and bottom horizontal lines of the boxplot. The data range is shown by the vertical black lines, with the median of each dataset represented by the middle horizontal line within each boxplot and with any outliers shown as points.
Fig. 6 in Morphological and molecular identification of cyathostomine gastrointestinal nematodes of Murshidia and Quilonia species from Asian elephants in Myanmar
Fig. 6. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of COI gene sequences of cyathostomine species using the maximum likelihood method in MEGA7. The percentage of trees in which associated taxa clustered together is shown next to the branches. The tree is drawn to scale, with branch lengths measured in the number of substitutions per site. GenBank accession numbers are indicated alongside taxa name.
Fig. 5 in Morphological and molecular identification of cyathostomine gastrointestinal nematodes of Murshidia and Quilonia species from Asian elephants in Myanmar
Fig. 5. Photomicrographs of Quilonia travancra. A, anterior end of a male, showing head papillae (arrows) and mouth collars (*); B, head of a male, showing crown leaflets (arrow); C, bursa of a male, lateral view, showing two branches (arrows) and three sub-branches of the posterior branch at approximately the same length (*); D, posterior branch of dorsal ray of bursa of a male, showing an appearance of trifurcation although the median and internal sub-branches are fused (*).
Fig. 2 in Morphological and molecular identification of cyathostomine gastrointestinal nematodes of Murshidia and Quilonia species from Asian elephants in Myanmar
Fig. 2. Photomicrographs of Murshidia indica. A, anterior end of a male, showing the appearance of plumose sculpturing on anterior portion of oesophagus (arrows); B, head of a male, showing coronal leaflets (*); C, copulatory bursa and spicules (arrow) of a male; D, dorsal ray of bursa of a male, showing two branches (arrows), in which the posterior branch has a pointed extremity (*).
Fig. 4 in Morphological and molecular identification of cyathostomine gastrointestinal nematodes of Murshidia and Quilonia species from Asian elephants in Myanmar
Fig. 4. Photomicrographs of Quilonia renniei. A, anterior end of a female, showing cylindrical shape of oesophagus (arrow); B, head of a female, showing a small buccal capsule (arrow) and curved coronal leaflets project above head (*); C, posterior end of a female; D, dorsal ray of bursa of a male, showing two branches (arrows), in which the posterior branch divided two sub-branches and the inner sub-branch is slightly bifid at the extremity (*).
Fig. 3 in Morphological and molecular identification of cyathostomine gastrointestinal nematodes of Murshidia and Quilonia species from Asian elephants in Myanmar
Fig. 3. Photomicrographs of Murshidia neveulemairei. A, anterior end of a female, showing the appearance of plumose sculpturing on anterior portion of oesophagus (arrows); B, posterior extremity of a female, showing anus (arrow) and vulva (*); C, dorsal ray of bursa of a male, showing two branches (arrows), in which the anterior branch is bifurcated in the distal half (*).
Fig. 1 in Morphological and molecular identification of cyathostomine gastrointestinal nematodes of Murshidia and Quilonia species from Asian elephants in Myanmar
Fig. 1. Photomicrographs of Murshidia falcifera. A, anterior end of a female, showing the appearance of two lateral lips of mouth collar with prominent head papillae (arrows) and coronal leaflets (*); B, head of a male, showing cuticular lining of buccal capsule (arrows) and funnel-shaped throat (*); C, dorsal ray of bursa of a male, showing three branches, in which anterior branch is composed of two sub-branches (arrows) and the posterior one is longer (*); D, posterior end of a female, showing anus (arrow).
PREDICTING THE HABITAT SUITABILITY OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS UNDER FUTURE CLIMATE SCENARIOS.
<p>This is the data for "PREDICTING THE HABITAT SUITABILITY OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS UNDER FUTURE CLIMATE SCENARIOS."</p>
Predicting the Habitat Suitability of Asian Elephants in Madhesh Landscape of Southern Nepal
<p>This is the dataset used during my thesis entitled " Predicting the Habitat Suitability of Asian Elephants (<em>Elephas maximas</em>) in Madhesh landscape of southern Nepal.</p>
Sex-specific body mass aging trajectories in adult Asian elephants
Open the record for dataset details and reuse information.
Age estimation of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) based on DNA methylation: An exploratory analysis using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM)
Open the record for dataset details and reuse information.
Data from: Long-term monitoring of seed dispersal by Asian elephants in a Sundaland rainforest
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Asian elephants (<i>Elephas maximus</i>) have inhabited almost all forests in tropical Asia until recently, yet little is known about their role in ecological processes, particularly in the Sundaic forests of Southeast Asia. These forests are peculiar in their phenology, with supra-annual and highly irregular episodes of mast fruiting. Here we present a long-term (six-year) monitoring of the seeds dispersed by elephants in dipterocarp forests of northern Peninsular Malaysia. We conducted monthly dung surveys at two mineral licks (11.3 km apart) frequently visited by elephants. Additionally, we recorded haphazard observations of seeds and seedlings in elephant dung at other locations. We recorded a minimum of 48 morphospecies from at least 25 plant families dispersed by elephants. Elephant seed dispersal was very heterogenous in space, with only 30.3 % of the morphospecies dispersed at both sites (Jaccard dissimilarity index = 0.48). Temporally, elephants dispersed seeds in sporadic pulses of abundance and diversity, without any apparent seasonality (seeds appeared in 19.1 % of 1,284 dung piles and 57.1 % of the 63 months in which we found dung) and with long periods without any seed being dispersed. Nearly half (48 %) of the plants dispersed by elephants belong to a megafaunal dispersal syndrome. Our long-term approach allowed us to unravel an important aspect of Asian elephants' role and effectiveness in the seed dispersal cycle. Sundaland's forests are undergoing a rapid loss of their previously common megaherbivores (rhinos and elephants), with profound and long-term consequences for ecosystem functioning.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
Data from: Fission–fusion processes weaken dominance networks of female Asian elephants in a productive habitat
Dominance hierarchies are expected to form in response to socioecological pressures and competitive regimes. We assess dominance relationships among free-ranging female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and compare them with those of African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana), which are known to exhibit age-based dominance hierarchies. Both species are generalist herbivores, however, the Asian population occupies a more productive and climatically stable environment relative to that of the African savannah population. We expected this would lower competition relative to the African taxon, relaxing the need for hierarchy. We tested whether 1) observed dominance interactions among individuals were transitive, 2) outcomes were structured either by age or by social unit according to 4 independent ranking methods, and 3) hierarchy steepness among classes was significant using David's score. Elephas maximus displayed less than a third the number of dominance interactions as observed in L. africana, with statistically insignificant transitivity among individuals. There was weak but significant order as well as steepness among age-classes but no clear order among social units. Loxodonta africana showed significant transitivity among individuals, with significant order and steepness among age-classes and social units. Elephas maximus had a greater proportion of age-reversed dominance outcomes than L. africana. When dominance hierarchies are weak and nonlinear, signals of dominance may have other functions, such as maintaining social exclusivity. We propose that resource dynamics reinforce differences via influence on fission–fusion processes, which we term "ecological release." We discuss implications of these findings for conservation and management when animals are spatially constrained.
Data and R analysis code: Asian elephants distinguish sexual status and identity of unfamiliar elephants using urinary odours
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Despite the ubiquity of odours in mammals, few studies have documented the natural olfactory abilities of many "non-model" species such as the Asian elephant. As Asian elephants are endangered, we may apply odours to more effectively manage threatened populations. We implemented a habituation–discrimination paradigm for the first time in Asian elephants to test the ability of elephants to discriminate between unfamiliar male elephant urine, hypothesizing that elephants would successfully distinguish non-musth from musth urine and also distinguish identity between two closely related individuals. We conducted two bioassay series, exposing three female and three male zoo-housed elephants to the same urine sample (non-musth urine in the first series, and urine from an unfamiliar individual in the second) over five days. On the sixth day, we simultaneously presented each elephant with a novel sample (either musth urine or urine from a second unfamiliar individual) alongside the habituated urine sample, comparing rates of chemosensory response to each sample to indicate discrimination. All elephants successfully discriminated non-musth from musth urine, and also urine from two unfamiliar half-brothers. Our results further demonstrate the remarkable olfactory abilities of elephants with promising implications for conservation and management.</span></p>
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Allen Brain Atlas
Allen Brain Atlas is an Allen Institute collection of brain map atlases, datasets, APIs, and analysis tools covering mouse, human, and non-human primate brain resources.
Annotated Behaviour and Observability Dataset (ABODe)
ABODe is a University of Edinburgh DataShare dataset for behavior classification in group-housed mice using home-cage video, identities, bounding boxes, ground-plate positions, and annotator labels.
DANDI Archive for NWB datasets
DANDI is a BRAIN Initiative archive for publishing and sharing neurophysiology data, including electrophysiology, optophysiology, and behavioral data packaged as NWB and related standards.
International Brain Laboratory public data
The International Brain Laboratory public data releases expose standardized mouse decision-making experiments, including Neuropixels recordings, widefield calcium imaging, behavior, and session metadata accessed through the ONE API.
OpenNeuro
OpenNeuro is a free, open platform for sharing neuroimaging datasets, with public search, dataset pages, and download paths for web, S3, DataLad, and the OpenNeuro CLI.