Responses to a poached conspecific in wild forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis)

The increased attention towards deceased conspecifics in various social animal species is one of the most intriguing conundrums in animal behaviour. The factors that might explain the observed behavioural variation amongst individuals remain nebulous. Here we analyse forest elephants’ (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) responses to a poached adult male conspecific, using remote camera trapping during a period of eight months. After completely avoiding the carcass site for over a week, females and males substantially differed in behavioural responses. Males consistently stayed longer around the remains, showed signs of increased arousal, interacted with the dead body, and twisted trunks with each other. Females, in contrast, were more passively explorative and preferred to visit the site without their dependent offspring. Findings show a previously unknown sexual-dimorphism in forest elephant behaviour towards a poached conspecific and raise the possibility that individuals might be able to infer further context-specific information about the event.

Etude de faisabilité de la mise en place d’un site écotouristique dans le parc national de Boumba-Bek: cas des clairières forestières de Pondo

Correction: The previously published version of the article had additional authors, including J.P. BELINGA, G. ETOGA, Expedit Bernard FOUDA and René MEIGARI. These names have been removed, for they did not really contribute to this work. L’écotourisme, alternative d’impulsion du développement et de financement durable, est une solution viable pour faire face à l’insuffisance de moyens financiers rencontrés par les gestionnaires de parcs nationaux. C’est ainsi que la présente étude s’est donnée pour objectif de savoir si les clairières forestières de Pondo situées dans la partie Sud du Parc National de Boumba-Bek possèdent un potentiel faunique susceptible d’être valorisé. Les méthodes du « scan sampling » et les « recces » ont été utilisées. Il ressort de l’analyse des données qu’un total de 16 espèces, représentées par plusieurs espèces emblématiques, entre autres, Loxodonta africana cyclotis, Gorilla gorilla, Panthera pardus. Les sites sont fréquemment visités en matinée (20,1%). Loxodonta africana cyclotis a l’abondance relative la plus élevée avec 0,699 indice au kilomètre. Un total de 68 signes d’activités anthropiques a été recensé pour un taux d’IKA moyen de 0,15 indice au km avec un coefficient de détermination R2 = 0,7674. Le coefficient de corrélation de Spearman r = -0,8760 a été obtenu à travers l’équation y = -44,144 x + 316,72. Il ressort de cette étude que les clairières forestières de Pondo sont régulièrement fréquentées et peuvent faire l’objet d’une valorisation écotouristique. Mots clés: Grands et moyens mammifères, clairières forestières, suivi écologique, parc national. English Title: Feasibility study of the implementation eco-tourist site in Boumba-Bek national park: case of Pondo forest clearings Ecotourism, an alternative to development stimulus and sustainable financing is a viable solution to address the financial constraints by national park managers. The objective of this study is to determine whether Pondo forest clearings in the southern part of Boumba-Bek national park have wildlife potential that can be harnessed for eco-tourism purposes. The “scan sampling” and “recces” methods were used. Analysis of the data shows that a total of 16 species represented by several emblematic species including Loxodonta africana cyclotis, Gorilla gorilla, Panthera pardus. Sites were frequently visited in the morning (20, 1%) and Loxodonta africana cyclotis has the highest relative abundance with 0,699 index per kilometer. A total of 68 signs of anthropogenic activity were identified for an average IKA rate of 0, 15 index per kilometer with a coefficient of determination R2 = 0, 7674. The correlation coefficient of Spearman r = -0, 8760 was obtained from equation y = -44,144 x + 316, 72. This study shows that Pondo forest clearings are regularly used and can be used for ecotourism purposes.Keywords: Large and medium mammals, forest clearings, ecological monitoring, national park.