Research Projects
Welfare and Elephant Management
The more we understand about elephant behaviour, the better we believe we can advocate for meeting the welfare needs of them. For this reason, we are part of ongoing research in fenced reserves across South Africa where behavioural monitoring is conducted. In a country where the majority of elephant populations are contained on small reserves, it is important to better understand the roles that various environmental factors play on the wellbeing of elephants, from social dynamics to impact of management interventions. We believe the future of peaceful human elephant coexistence lies in valuing the conservation value of this charismatic species without compromising on their wellbeing.
Reintegration Research & Monitoring
Each reintegration project continues to be monitored in order to document the long term settling down process of previously captive elephants.
GnRH and its' behavioural effects on Elephants
One aspect of managing elephant populations in South Africa is the limited space to accommodate extensive elephant populations in most reserves. Thus arose the need to humanely manage elephant populations through the use of chemical contraception methods. One of these methods is the use of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) which is administered to male elephants to reduce their testosterone levels and breeding abilities. When implementing such strategies that may influence both behavioural and physiological processes, we believe ongoing research is required to monitor the influences of this regime over time.
