The Asian Elephant Ecology and Management [Paperback]

An ecological analysis of elephant-human interaction and its implications for the conservation of elephants.This ecological analysis of elephant-human interaction, and its implications for the conservation of Asian elephants, includes recommendations on conservation and management, taking into consideration the socio-economic characteristics of the Asian region.This ecological analysis of elephant-human interaction, and its implications for the conservation of Asian elephants, includes recommendations on conservation and management, taking into consideration the socio-economic characteristics of the Asian region.The Asian elephant has had a unique cultural association with people. Unfortunately, elephants and people have also been in conflict, resulting in the decline in elephants throughout their former range in Southern Asia. This book provides an ecological analysis of elephant human interaction and its implications for the conservation of elephants. The foraging habits of elephants and their impact on vegetation are considered, along with the interactions that occur between elephants and humans. The ecological data provide the basis for recommendations on elephant conservation and management, keeping in view the socio-economic imperatives of the Asian region.This first comprehensive account of Asian elephant ecology will be of particular interest to conservation biologists and mammalogists.Foreword; Acknowledgements; 1. The historical background; 2. Status and distribution of the Asian elephant; 3. The main study area and study methods; 4. Movement and habitat utilization; 5. Feeding and nutrition; 6. Impact on the vegetation and carrying capacity; 7. Crop raiding by elephants; 8. Manslaughter by elephants; 9. Habitat manipulation by people; 10. Elephant slaughter by people; 11. Population dynamics; 12. Conservation and management; Appendices; References; Index. This fine volume on the Asian elephant is certainly timely and thorough...This book is the most currelóä