Abstract
The Asian elephant's (Elephas maximus) feeding behavior with food preference was studied in Satkosia Tiger Reserve area between 2011 to 2014.The major objective of the present study is to document the fodder plant species consumption by elephants. Though the study area houses a good number of plant species only 110 species were identified as elephant fodder plants. The food trail of elephant was observed as branch breaking, bark peeling, twig breaking, flower plucking and stem twisting uprooting in different regions of study area during different seasons. Alteration of predominantly browsing strategy with that of grazing around the year was related to seasonal variation of food plants. Consumption of grass species (55%) was highest as compared to trees (37%), shrubs (5%), and herbs (3%). The elephants extensively fed on the plant species like Aegle marmelos, Careya arborea, Bauhinia racemosa, Kydia calycina, Bauhinia vahlii, Asparagus racemosus, Helicteres isora, Mallotus philippinensis, Madhuca indica, Zizyphus mauritiona, Mimosa pudica, , Smilax zeylanica and Diosporea species. They were fond fruits of Mangifera indica in summer. A high degree of variation in dicot- monocot ratio (47:63)) was marked during identification of elephant fodder plant by direct observation. Microscopic analysis of dung showing a high degree of variation in average dicot- monocot ratio suggested that the food plant selection of elephant was highly opportunistic and seasonal.
Highlights
Animal’s range of movement increases with greater body size and energy requirement [1]
The present study aims to document food plants of elephant in Satkosia Tiger Reserve, which is a major migration place for elephant of Athagarh Division, Dhenkanal Division and Athmallik Division
The food plants of elephants were traced through a number of trekking excursions to the elephants’ habitats
Summary
Animal’s range of movement increases with greater body size and energy requirement [1]. Availability of food, water, barriers to free movement, spatial distribution and diversity in habitat types influence the home range size. The more diverse the region, the smaller could be the home range, since elephants could be able to meet their varied seasonal requirements within a relativity restricted area. Factors such as nutritive value and toxicity are important in influencing the selection of food plants by elephants. An elephant needs to consume large quantities of food every day. They are not specialist feeders and browse and graze on a variety of plants. Elephants may spend up to 14-19 hours a day feeding during which they may consume up to 150 kg of food
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