Range size and drivers of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) space use on Karongwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Abstract

AbstractMathematical models can identify different drivers and/or habitat preferences depending on the size and area of the analysis. Important criteria for survival, such as water access, may be seen at various spatial ranges while features such as human disturbance may only impact wildlife at a coarse scale. This study analyses the impact of roads surrounding Karongwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa, on a herd of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) over 6 years at three separate spatial ranges—coarse (the entire available area), home (95% isopleth) and core (50% isopleth). The purpose was to determine which anthropogenic (eastern and western public roads) and natural features (rivers, dams and vegetation) elephants avoided and preferred within each range. Coarse‐scale analysis indicates a clear avoidance by elephants for all public roads. Home and core range analyses showed a seasonal avoidance of roads by the breeding herd but not by bulls. Results indicate the importance in interpreting data at various ranges to improve identifying wildlife movement drivers.