A stochastic simulation model for Asian elephant Elephas maximus populations and the inheritance of tusks

Abstract

In the framework of available historical data on population size and human impact on the Asia elephant Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758, we developed a stochastic simulation model for elephant populations, which simulates individual elephants and includes their geno- and phenotype regarding the tusk character. The model omits density dependence of reproduction parameters and mortality rates. The model predicts female mortality and mean calving interval to be the paramount factors determining the long-term population trend.