Movements of four forest elephants in an oil concession in Gabon, Central Africa

摘要

Infrastructure developments, particularly roads and settlements, can restrict the movements of African forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis; Barnes et al., 1991; Blake et al., 2007; Buij et al., 2007; Blake et al., 2008). Although activities and land-use types generally associated with roads provide forage that may attract elephants (e.g. abandoned villages, crop fields, selectively logged areas; Barnes et al., 1991; Barnes, 1996; Struhsaker, Lwanga & Kasenene, 1996), roaded areas overall pose a mortality risk as a result of increased hunting pressure (Blake et al., 2007, 2008). Consequently, we know little about the extent to which forest elephants can tolerate human presence and activity in the absence of hunting and direct harassment.