The Use of Mineral Sources by the African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis)

Claire Herlihy, BSc (Hons)

Master's thesis

Abstract:

African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) are considered ecosystem engineers for the African rain forest and conservation umbrella species in central Africa. They frequent “bais”, natural clearings, rich in minerals in the forest of the Congo basin where they actively search for mineral deposits and reveal necessary nutrients required for their, and other species’ diets. The presence of elephants in bais is therefore essential for biodiversity and the resilience of other, also critically endangered species such as Western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). Between Feb. 22, 2022 and Feb. 18, 2023, 24 camera traps were active at strategic positions across the Dibo bai (2.148852N, 14.629689E) in the Messok-Dja conservation area, located between the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo and Nki National Park in Cameroon. 43,936 images were collected across a total of 6,987 trap nights. The micro-habitat preferences and activity patterns of the Dibo bai forest elephants were assessed using Camelot camera-trapping software and RStudio, and we and were able to compile a catalogue containing 27 identifiable elephants. Results of activity pattern analysis and investigation of duration of visitations across four habitat types, seasons and dial activity revealed that forest elephants behave conservatively at bais and exhibit a preference for ecotones, specifically the forest edges, spending a total of 84:49:31 hours at the forest edge, more than half of the total time investigated. Relative abundance indices are highest during the month of May, and Forest elephants exhibit highest activity levels during dawn and dusk hours. Bais represent an important habitat for this critically endangered species and therefore require prioritisation in conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Furthering this thesis, we hope to establish long term monitoring of elephants and their movements between bais and encourage the protection of land between Odzala-Kokoua and Nki National Parks in order to maintain the connectivity of habitats for forest species.

Keywords

African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), Camera Trapping, Bais, Central Africa, Activity Pattern

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 29. 3. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 22. 5. 2024
• Supervisor: Mgr. Tomáš Jůnek, Ph.D.
• Reader: Thomas Breuer, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Master programme:
Nature Conservation