The male elephants of the Makgadikgadi

Dear friends, 
 
We are pleased to introduce an exciting research project currently taking place with the male elephants of the Makgadikgadi. Arvid is a biology master's student from Sweden, currently studying at the University of Gothenburg, with a focus on conservation, ecology and behavioural science. At Elephants for Africa, Arvid is doing his fieldwork for his master's thesis, studying how individual characteristics, environmental conditions and immediate social context are associated with behavioural allocation. Over the next two months, he will be collecting data by observing elephants in their natural environment. 
 
Arvid's research focuses specifically on male African elephants and the factors that may influence their vigilance and behaviour. Observations are being conducted at three sites in northern Botswana, (Meno A Kwena, Moela Safari Lodge and Leroo La Tau Lodge, Khumaga) with waterholes and preferred drinking sites providing important locations for observation. Individual males will be identified wherever possible through natural features such as ear notches and tears, tusk shape, scars, tail characteristics and overall body shape. Arvid will record information including age class, body condition, musth status and social context, while observing how much time individual elephants spend vigilant and how this may vary according to their surroundings. Camera traps will also provide observations during both daytime and nighttime, helping to build a broader picture of male elephant behaviour. 
 
Through this work, Arvid hopes to gain valuable experience in field research, improve his understanding of elephant behaviour and learn more about wildlife conservation in Botswana. At the same time, his research contributes valuable information towards understanding male elephants, particularly how individual characteristics and social and environmental conditions may influence their behaviour. The study is completely non-invasive, with the elephants observed in their natural environment without being captured, handled or experimentally manipulated. 
 
We would like to sincerely thank our GlobalGiving donors for supporting this work. Your contributions help make it possible for researchers like Arvid to spend time in the field, gather valuable information and contribute to our growing understanding of Botswana's elephants. Thank you for being part of this important work and for continuing to support the conservation of these remarkable animals. 
 
Your EfA Team