Source link : https://earth-news.info/general/energy-landscapes-direct-the-movement-preferences-of-elephants-besjournals/
A groundbreaking study published in BE Journal of Ecology reveals how the energy landscapes of natural habitats shape the movement patterns of elephants. By analyzing the terrain’s physical demands and resource availability, researchers have uncovered that elephants strategically navigate their environment to minimize energy expenditure while maximizing access to food and water. This new insight not only advances our understanding of elephant behavior but also offers valuable guidance for conservation efforts aimed at preserving these majestic creatures in increasingly fragmented landscapes.
Energy Landscapes Shape Elephant Movement Patterns Across Habitats
Recent studies reveal that elephants navigate their environments not merely based on resource availability but through a complex interplay with the underlying energy landscapes that shape their movement. These landscapes represent spatial variations in energy expenditure, where natural features such as terrain slope, vegetation density, and water sources create a dynamic map of physical costs and benefits. Elephants optimize their routes by balancing energy conservation with access to essential resources, often preferring paths of least resistance to minimize fatigue. This adaptive behavior allows them to efficiently cover vast distances, especially in regions where resource distribution and environmental challenges fluctuate seasonally.
In-depth tracking of elephant herds across diverse habitats…
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Author : earthnews
Publish date : 2025-07-27 12:32:00
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