Movements and corridors of African elephants in relation to protected areas.

摘要: Understanding how mammals satisfy their need for space in fragmenting ecosystems is crucial ecosystem conservation. Using state-of-the-art global positioning system (GPS) technology we tracked 11 focal African elephants (Loxodonta africana) Kenya at 3-hourly fix intervals and collected between 34 406 days per individual. Our recordings gave a high spatio-temporal resolution compared to previous studies allowed novel insights into range use. The actual ranges of the are smaller than usually represented. Moreover, our sample were complex not confined officially designated protected areas, except where fenced. All unfenced had distinct 'home sectors' linked by 'travel' corridors. Within each home sector concentrated favourite 'core zones'. Such core zones tended lie areas whereas corridors typically crossed unprotected range. Elephants moved significantly faster along elsewhere range, which suggests awareness danger outside area. We conclude that understanding use an animal's conservation planning aiming balance animal interests with those human beings co-habit