Gajah 30 (2009) 58-67

Recent Publications on Asian

Compiled by Jennifer Pastorini

Anthropologisches Institut, Universität Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland and Centre for Conservation and Research, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka L.A. Bates, J.H. Poole & R.W. Byrne the tested rhinoceros species and both Elephant cognition species. The lower sorting indices in rhinos Current Biology 18 (2008) 544-546 indicate that sex sorting of spermatozoa from Review article, no abstract available. the rhinoceros will be more challenging than in elephants. © 2008 Blackwell Verlag. B. Behr, D. Rath, T.B. Hildebrandt, F. Goeritz, S. Blottner, T.J. Portas, B.R. Bryant, B. Sieg, A. M.F. Bertelsen, M. Kjelgaard-Hansen, C. Knieriem, S.P. de Graaf, W.M.C. Maxwell & R. Grondahl, P.M.H. Heegaard & S. Jacobsen Hermes Identifi cation of acute phase proteins and Germany/Australia index of sperm sex assays applicable in nondomesticated sortability in elephants and rhinoceros Reproduction in Domestic 44 (2009) Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 40 (2009) 273-277 199-203 Abstract. Flow cytometric sexing of spermatozoa Abstract. The serum concentration of acute followed by application in artifi cial insemination phase proteins (APPs) increases dramatically in or in vitro fertilization provides a unique response to infl ammation and tissue injury. APPs opportunity to predetermine the sex of offspring are clinically useful in a range of domesticated and might enhance the conservation management mammals; however, knowledge is limited in of endangered species in captivity such as the nondomesticated mammals. The detective ability elephant and rhinoceros. To obtain an indication of two assays for each of three potential APPs- of the sortability of spermatozoa from these -serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein species, the relative DNA differences between X (CRP), and haptoglobin (Hp)--was evaluated and Y chromosome bearing spermatozoa (fresh, in eight species. For SAA, a turbidimetric frozen thawed, epididymal) from three rhinoceros immunoassay (TIA) demonstrated signifi cant species [white (Ceratotherium simum), black detective abilities in the Asian elephant (Elaphas (Diceros bicornis), Indian (Rhinoceros unicornis)] maximus), impala (Aepyceros melampus), musk and both elephant species, the Asian and the ox (Ovibos moschatus), and chimpanzee (Pan African elephant ( maximus, Loxodonta troglodytes), as did an SAA enzyme-linked Africana), were determined through separation of immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the impala. spermatozoa into X and Y chromosome bearing For CRP, both TIA and ELISA had signifi cant populations, using a modifi ed high speed fl ow detective abilities in the chimpanzee. For Hp, cytometer. The head profi le areas of spermatozoa a colorimetric assay demonstrated signifi cant from all fi ve species were measured using light detective abilities in impala, musk ox, sitatunga microscopy. By multiplying the relative DNA (Tragelaphus spekeii), and chimpanzee, as differences and the head profi le areas, the sperm did the Hp ELISA in the impala, musk ox, and sorting indices were calculated to be 47, 48 sitatunga. In conclusion, these results suggest that and 51 for white, black and Indian rhinoceros assays for detection of relevant APPs in several respectively. The calculated sorting index for the nondomesticated animals are available. © 2008 Asian elephant was 66. In the African elephant, by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. we determined the highest sorting index of 76. These results indicate the practicability of fl ow A. Campos-Arceiz, T.Z. Lin, W. Htun, S. cytometric sex sorting of spermatozoa from Takatsuki & P. Leimgruber

58 Working with mahouts to explore the diet of of elephant geophagic soils in Udawalawe work elephants in Myanmar (Burma) National Park, Sri Lanka Ecological Research 23 (2008) 1057–1064 Environmental Geochemistry Health 31 (2009) Abstract. At an elephant camp in central 391–400 Myanmar (Burma), we interviewed mahouts and Abstract. Geophagy or deliberate ingestion veterinarians to describe the diet of Asian elephants of soils was observed among Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in a mixed-deciduous forest. (Elephas maximus) in the Udawalwe National Elephants showed a broad dietary breadth (103 Park, Sri Lanka, for several years. The plant species from 42 families); consumed geochemical and mineralogical composition of mostly browse (94% of plant species); and were the clayey soil layers which are purposefully very selective about plant parts [e.g., many trees selected and eaten by elephants in the park were were eaten exclusively for their bark (22%) or studied, in order to identify the possible reasons fruits (14%)]. The fruits from 29 plant species for elephant geophagy. The concentrations were recorded to be eaten by elephants. Several of major and trace elements were determined of these were found as fruit remains, seeds, or by means of X-ray fl uorescence spectrometry seedlings in elephant dung, suggesting a role of in 21 soil samples from eight geophagic sites Asian elephants in seed dispersal. Work elephants and six soil samples collected from four non- and their mahouts prove to be a rich source of geophagic sites. The mineralogical composition information to understand wild elephant ecology. of selected soil samples was investigated using © 2008 The Ecological Society of Japan. X-ray diffractometry (XRD). These geochemical analyses revealed that geophagic soils in the M. Chaiklin study areas are deeply weathered and that Ivory in early modern Ceylon: A case study in most of the elements are leached from the soil what documents don’t reveal layers under extreme weathering conditions. International Journal of Asian Studies 6 (2009) The XRD data showed that the soils of the area 37-63 consisted mainly quartz, feldspar, and the clay Abstract. In Sri Lanka elephants are endangered minerals kaolinite, Ferich illite, and smectite. and ivory carving, as an art, is dead. Sri Lanka Although no signifi cant geochemical differences was once famous for the number and quality were identifi ed between geophagic and non- of its elephants, whose tusks were carved and geophagic soils, a clear difference was observed exported since ancient times. Although Sri Lanka in their clay mineralogical content. Soils eaten became, successively, a pivotal outpost for the by elephants are richer in kaolinite and illite Portuguese, Dutch and English, details about the than non-geophagic soils, which contain a higher Ceylonese ivory trade appear in trade documents amount of smectite. It is suggested that elephants only rarely. And yet, if information is not to be in Udawalawe National Park ingest soils mainly found there, does that mean ivory trade did not not to supplement the mineral contents of their occur? Trade documents, after all, do not tell the forage but to detoxify unpalatable compounds whole story. Smugglers, illegal traders, big game in their diet. © 2008 with kind permission from hunters and plantation owners all played a part in Springer Science+Business Media. the disappearance of elephants and its corollary, the ivory trade. When archival evidence is viewed A. Coleing in combination with physical evidence and the The application of social network theory to anecdotes of visitors and residents, it becomes behavior evident that ivory remained an integral part Bioscience Horizons 2 (2009) 32-43 of trade and crafts in Ceylon well into the last Abstract. Social network analysis (SNA) is a century. © 2009 Cambridge University Press. mathematical technique for analysing social relationships and the patterns and implications R. Chandrajith, E. Kudavidanage, H.J. Tobschall of these relationships (Wasserman S, Faust K & C.B. Dissanayake (1994) Social Network Analysis: Methods and Geochemical and mineralogical characteristics Applications. Cambridge: Cambridge University

59 Press). It has only recently been discovered by viral genome. In addition to ascites, widespread behavioural biologists as a useful tool in the visceral edema, petechiae, and capillary study of animal behaviour (Wey T, Blumstein damage previously reported, important fi ndings DT, Shen W et al. (2008) Social network analysis with EEHV3 infection were the presence of of animal behaviour: a promising tool for the grossly visible renal medullary hemorrhage, a study of sociality. Anim Behav 75: 333–344). tropism for larger veins and arteries in various Video recording over a 2 month period was used tissues, relatively high density of renal herpetic to record the behaviour of the elephant group at inclusions, and involvement of the retinal vessels. Chester Zoo. SNA was applied in an investigation These fi ndings indicate a less selective organ of the group structure and interactions of the tropism, and this may confer a higher degree of group. Observations of individual and group virulence for EEHV3. © 2009 American College behaviour were based upon 40 h of playback of of Veterinary Pathologists. the social interactions were recorded and analysed using AGNA (2003) and Pajek (2005) packages. R. Greenwald, O. Lyashchenko, J. Esfandiari, The analysis showed that the many facets of M. Miller, S. Mikota, J.H. Olsen, R. Ball, G. individual behaviour could be understood in Dumonceaux, D. Schmitt, T. Moller, J.B. Payeur, terms of social structure of the group. This B. Harris, D. Sofranko, W.R. Waters & K.P. study has demonstrated that SNA is a powerful Lyashchenko approach to understanding group dynamics and Highly accurate antibody assays for early and is particularly applicable to the study of obligate rapid detection of tuberculosis in African and social species. In conclusion, it is suggested Asian elephants that SNA is potentially a useful tool in the Clinical and Vaccine Immunology 16 (2009) management of captive animal populations.© 605-612 2009 The Author. Abstract. Tuberculosis (TB) in elephants is a reemerging zoonotic disease caused primarily by M.M. Garner, K. Helmick, J. Ochsenreiter, L.K. Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Current methods Richman, E. Latimer, A.G.Wise , R.K. Maes, for screening and diagnosis rely on trunk wash M. Kiupel, R.W. Nordhausen, J.C. Zong & G.S. culture, which has serious limitations due to Hayward low test sensitivity, slow turnaround time, and Clinico-pathologic features of fatal disease variable sample quality. Innovative and more attributed to new variants of endotheliotropic effi cient diagnostic tools are urgently needed. herpesviruses in two Asian elephants (Elephas We describe three novel serologic techniques, maximus) the ElephantTB Stat-Pak kit, multiantigen print Veterinary Pathology 46 (2009) 97-104 immunoassay, and dual-path platform VetTB test, Abstract. The fi rst herpesviruses described in for rapid antibody detection in elephants. The association with serious elephant disease were study was performed with serum samples from referred to as endotheliotropic herpesviruses 236 captive African and Asian elephants from (EEHV) because of their ability to infect 53 different locations in the United States and capillary endothelial cells and cause potentially Europe. The elephants were divided into three fatal disease. Two related viruses, EEHV1 groups based on disease status and history of and EEHV2, have been described based on exposure: (i) 26 animals with culture-confi rmed genetic composition. This report describes the TB due to M. tuberculosis or Mycobacterium similarities and differences in clinicopathologic bovis, (ii) 63 exposed elephants from known- features of 2 cases of fatal endotheliotropic infected herds that had never produced a culture- herpesvirus infections in Asian elephants caused positive result from trunk wash samples, and by a previously unrecognized virus within the (iii) 147 elephants without clinical symptoms betaherpesvirus subfamily. EEHV3 is markedly suggestive of TB, with consistently negative divergent from the 2 previously studied fatal trunk wash culture results, and with no history probosciviruses, based on polymerase chain of potential exposure to TB in the past 5 years. reaction sequence analysis of 2 segments of the Elephants with culture-confi rmed TB and a

60 proportion of exposed but trunk wash culture- Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology 292 (2009) negative elephants produced robust antibody 242-248 responses to multiple antigens of M. tuberculosis, Abstract. Von Economo neurons (VENs), with seroconversions detectable years before previously found in humans, all of the great ape TB-positive cultures were obtained from trunk species, and four cetacean species, are also present wash specimens. ESAT-6 and CFP10 proteins in African and Indian elephants. The VENs in the were immunodominant antigens recognized elephant are primarily found in similar locations by elephant antibodies during disease. The to those in the other species. They are most serologic assays demonstrated 100% sensitivity abundant in the frontoinsular cortex (area FI) and and 95 to 100% specifi city. Rapid and accurate are also present at lower density in the anterior antibody tests to identify infected elephants will cingulate cortex. Additionally, they are found in likely allow earlier and more effi cient treatment, a dorsolateral prefrontal area and less abundantly thus limiting transmission of infection to other in the region of the frontal pole. The VEN susceptible animals and to humans. © 2009 morphology appears to have arisen independently American Society for Microbiology. in hominids, cetaceans, and elephants, and may refl ect a specialization for the rapid transmission J.E. Haakonsson & S. Semple of crucial social information in very large brains. Lateralisation of trunk movements in captive Von Economo neurons (VENs), previously found Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in humans, all of the great ape species, and four Laterality 14 (2009) 413-422 cetacean species, are also present in African and Abstract. Behavioural lateralisation has been Indian elephants. The VENs in the elephant are widely investigated in vertebrates. Most studies primarily found in similar locations to those in in this area have focused on laterality in paired the other species. They are most abundant in the organs such as hands, limbs, and eyes. Fewer frontoinsular cortex (area FI) and are also present studies have explored side preferences in unpaired at lower density in the anterior cingulate cortex. organs such as tails or trunks. We investigated Additionally, they are found in a dorsolateral laterality of trunk use among captive Asian prefrontal area and less abundantly in the region elephants (Elephas maximus), quantifying side of the frontal pole. The VEN morphology appears preference in four different trunk movements: to have arisen independently in hominids, feeding, sand spraying, self-touching, and cetaceans, and elephants, and may refl ect a swinging. We found evidence for signifi cant specialization for the rapid transmission of side preference in all four movement categories. crucial social information in very large brains. © Variation in the occurrence and direction of side 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. preference was seen both within and between individuals but no overall population-level R. Hermes, B. Behr, T.B. Hildebrandt, S. Blottner, side bias was seen for any of the four trunk B. Sieg, A. Frenzel, A. Knieriem, J. Saragusty & movements. The strength of side preference in D. Rath trunk use was signifi cantly higher for feeding Sperm sex-sorting in the Asian elephant than for self-touching and swinging. This study (Elephas maximus) adds to the very limited data on laterality in Animal Reproduction Science 112 (2009) 390– unpaired organs generally, and elephants’ trunks 396 more specifi cally. In addition it provides novel Abstract. In captive Asian elephants, there is a information about directional lateralisation in strong need for production of female offspring trunk use across a range of functionally distinct to enhance reproduction, counter premature contexts. © 2009 Psychology Press. aging processes in female animals and reduce challenging management situations derived from A.Y. Hakeem, C.C. Sherwood, C.J. Bonar, C. husbandry of several bulls in one institution. Butti, P.R. Hof & J.M. Allman Artifi cial insemination of fl ow cytometrically Von Economo neurons in the elephant brain sex-sorted spermatozoa offers the possibility The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative to predetermine the sex of offspring with high

61 accuracy. The aims of this study were to determine inconsistent with the previous reports of RQJ a suitable semen extender and basic parameters in other animals, suggesting that elephants may for fl ow cytometrical sex-sorting of Asian be using a different mechanism to compare and elephant spermatozoa. In total 18 semen samples represent quantities than previously suggested were collected by manual rectal stimulation for other species. © 2008 with kind permission from one bull. Sperm quality parameters and sex from Springer Science+Business Media. sortability of spermatozoa were evaluated after dilution in three semen extenders (MES-HEPES- M. Jaynes skim milk, MES-HEPES, TRIS–citric acid) and From war elephants to circus elephants: DNA staining. MES-HEPES-skim milk was Humanity’s abuse of elephants the only semen extender found suitable to sex Journal for Critical Animal Studies 7 (2009) 74- Asian elephant spermatozoa. From 18 ejaculates 106 collected, 12 were successfully sorted with a Abstract. This paper examines the historical purity of 94.5 ± 0.7% at an average sort rate of human use and abuse of elephants in an attempt 1945.5 ± 187.5 spermatozoa per second. Sperm to connect the contemporary use of performing integrity, progressive and total motility were 42.6 elephants with the ancient use of war elephants ± 3.9%, 48.1 ± 3.3%, 59.4 ± 3.8% after DNA and also examines two opposing opinions labelling, and 64.8 ± 3.2%, 58.0 ± 5.0%, 70.8 regarding elephant conservation. Beginning ± 4.4% after sorting, respectively. After liquid in ancient times, the now unheard of but once storage of sorted spermatozoa for 12 h at 4 °C, ubiquitous war elephants used by Julius Caesar, sperm integrity, progressive and total motility Alexander the Great, Hannibal and other were 46.4 ± 5.2%, 32.2 ± 4.2% and 58.2 ± 3.9%, Asian cultures is revisited and the abuse of respectively. The obtained results provide a war elephants is traced into modern warfare. promising base to inseminate Asian elephants Contemporary “elephant crushing” in Thailand with sexed semen. © 2008 with permission from and the use of elephants to execute human beings Elsevier. will be examined. The argument is posited that western acceptance of the use of performing N. Irie-Sugimoto, T. Kobayashi, T. Sato & T. elephants is equally as reprehensible as the Hasegawa ancient use of the war elephant. The ivory trade Relative quantity judgment by Asian elephants is also examined along with elephant cognition (Elephas maximus) and social behaviors including death rituals. Animal Cognition 12 (2009) 193-199 The paper suggests the alternative of elephant Abstract. This study investigated whether Asian sanctuaries. Statistics are provided regarding the elephants can make relative quantity judgment highly endangered Asian and African elephants‘ (RQJ), a dichotomous judgment of unequal declining total populations. The paper: connects quantities ordered in magnitude. In Experiment contemporary western elephant abuse with the 1, elephants were simultaneously shown two use of elephants in war; urges the reader to never baskets with differing quantities of bait (up attend or promote elephant circuses, buy ivory, to 6 items). In Experiment 2, elephants were or support the exploitation of the elephant in any sequentially presented with baits, which could way; and argues intrinsic valuing of elephants not be seen by elephants in their total quantities. in lieu of other conservation approaches such The task of elephants was to choose the larger as Sustainable Use. © 2009 Institute for Critical quantity in both experiments. Results showed Animal Studies. that the elephants chose the larger quantity with signifi cantly greater frequency. Interestingly, the R. Joshi & R. Singh elephants did not exhibit disparity or magnitude Feeding behaviour of wild Asian elephants effects, in which performance declines with a (Elephas maximus) in the Rajaji National smaller difference between quantities in a two- Park choice task, or the total quantity increases, Journal of American Science 4 (2008) 34-48 respectively. These fi ndings appear to be Abstract. The Asian elephant’s (Elephas

62 maximus) feeding behaviour with food preferences Abstract. Two human enzyme immunoassays was studied in Rajaji National Park area between (EIA) and one radioimmunoassay (RIA) were 1999-2006. The major objective of the present validated and used to measure osteocalcin study is to document the fodder plant species and (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and their seasonal consumption by elephants. Though the cross-linked telopeptide domain of type I elephants consume a variety of plant species in collagen (ICTP), in serum from Asian elephants the study area, but their diet mainly consisted (Elephas maximus). Sera from four adult females of fi fty (50) plant species, which are available sampled on 7 consecutive days were also to them alternately round the year. Alteration analyzed to assess the existence and magnitude between a predominantly browse diet throughout of intraindividual day-to-day variability of the the year with a grass diet during the early dry serum concentration of these markers. Sample season was related to the seasonally changing dilution curves were parallel with assay standard mineral content of grasses. Consumption of curves, which demonstrated that excellent cross tree species (74%) was highest as compared to reactivity existed between assay antibodies and grasses (14%) and shrubs (8%) but their diet was elephants marker antigens. Statistically signifi cant mainly dependent on availability of seasonal food inverse correlations were found between age and round the year and on their migration. Elephants concentrations of all three markers: BAP, r=-0.862 extensively feed on Mallotus phillipinensis, (P<0.01); OC, r=-0.788 (P<0.002); and ICTP, r=- Acacia catechu, Lagerstroemia parvifl ora, 0.848 (P<0.01). Strong positive correlations were Ehretia laevis, Dalbergia sissoo, Tectona found between BAP and OC (r=0.797, P<0.01), grandis, Zizyphus mauritiana, Aegle marmelos OC and ICTP (r=0.860, P<0.01), and between and Ficus bengalensis besides, elephants also BAP and ICTP (r=0.958, P<0.01). No statistically utilized various grasses and shrubs as their food, signifi cant intraindividual variability was found which mainly included Dendrocalamus strictus, over 7 days in the four adult females for any Helicteres isora, Saccharum munja, Saccharum of the markers assessed (OC: P = 0.089; ICTP: spontaneum, Cynodon dactylon, Desmostachya P=0.642; BAP: P=0.146; n = 4 in each case). The bipinnata and Neyraudia arundinacea. Elephants overall coeffi cient of variability observed in this sometimes spent long time to feed on some group of animals was 10.3%, 7.4%, and 5.5% for particular plant species like Dendrocalamus OC, BAP, and ICTP, respectively. These results strictus, Mallotus phillipinensis and Tectona suggest a potential role for biochemical markers grandis. Eastern populations of elephants were of bone turnover in monitoring skeletal health subjected to feed extremely on Tectona grandis and bone disease in Asian elephants. © 2008 by and Holophramitis spp. whereas currently south- American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. western populations of elephants were not utilizing these species as their food. Crop raiding, which J.C. Lee, H.M. Hsieh, L.H. Huang, Y.C. Kuo, was sporadic during the wet season, gradually J.H. Wu, S.C. Chin, A.H. Lee, A. Linacre & L.C. increased with more area being cultivated with Tsai the onset of monsoon. We propose that this is the Ivory identifi cation by DNA profi ling of fi rst documented study, which has developed a cytochrome b gene database about the fodder plant species for Asian International Journal of Legal Medicine 123 elephant’s survival in north-west India. © 2008 (2009) 117–121 AmericanScience.org. Abstract. Ivory can be visually identifi ed in its native form as coming from an elephant species; C. Kilgallon, E. Flach, W. Boardman, A. Routh, however, determining from which of the three T. Strike & B. Jackson extant elephant species a section of ivory originates Analysis of biochemical markers of bone is more problematic. We report on a method that metabolism in Asian elephants (Elephas will identify and distinguish the protected and maximus) endangered elephant species, Elephas maximus Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 39 (2008) or Loxodonta sp. To identify the species of 527-536 elephant from ivory products, we developed three

63 groups of nested PCR amplifi cations within the more likely to prefer that the village take cytochrome b gene that generate amplifi cation leadership, and less willing to participate in a products using highly degraded DNA isolated cooperative management institution. The study from confi scated ivory samples dating from illustrates the value of mixed-method research, 1995. DNA from a total of 382 out of 453 ivory and suggests a number of specifi c entry points samples were successfully isolated and amplifi ed for action. © 2008 with kind permission from leading to species identifi cation. All sequences Springer Science+Business Media. were searched against GenBank and found to match with E. maximus and Loxodonta sp. with P.A. Rees at least 99% similarity. The samples that were The sizes of elephant groups in zoos: tested came from eight Asian elephants, 14 Implications for elephant welfare African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis), Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 12 and 360 African savannah elephants (Loxodonta (2009) 44-60 africana). This study demonstrates a high success Abstract. This study examined the distribution rate in species identifi cation of ivory by a nested of 495 Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and PCR approach within the cytochrome b gene 336 African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in which provides the necessary information for the 194 zoos, most of which were located in Europe protection of endangered species conservation. (49.1%) and North America (32.6%). Cows © 2008 with kind permission from Springer outnumbered bulls 4 to 1 (Loxodonta) and 3 to Science+Business Media. 1 (Elephas). Groups contained 7 or fewer: mean, 4.28 (s = 5.73). One fi fth of elephants lived alone M. Ogra or with one conspecifi c. Forty-six elephants Attitudes toward resolution of human– (5.5%) had no conspecifi c. Many zoos ignore wildlife confl ict among Forest-Dependent minimum group sizes of regional zoo association agriculturalists Near Rajaji National Park, guidelines. The American Zoo and Aquarium India Association recommends that breeding facilities Human Ecology 37 (2009) 161-177 keep herds of 6 to 12 elephants. The British Abstract. Understanding local attitudes and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums towards human–wildlife confl ict (HWC) is key recommends keeping together at least 4 cows to developing successful confl ict mitigation over 2 years old. Over 69% Asian and 80% strategies. In this paper, in-depth interview and African cow groups—including those under 2 questionnaire data about resolution of HWC years—consisted of fewer than 4 individuals. in Uttarakhand, India are examined from both Recently, Europe and North America have made qualitative and quantitative approaches (n=70). progress with some zoos no longer keeping Responses are differentiated between and elephants and with others investing in improved within three subgroups: gender, literacy status, facilities and forming larger herds. The welfare and relative wealth. Overall, the plurality of of individual elephants should outweigh all other respondents said that fencing is the best solution, considerations; zoos should urgently seek to that the Forest Department should take leadership, integrate small groups into larger herds. © Taylor and that villagers would be willing to participate in & Francis Group, LLC a cooperative management institution. However, cooperative action was only actively supported N. Thongtip, J. Saikhun, S. Mahasawangkul, by 27.4% of respondents, suggesting that K. Kornkaewrat, P. Suthanmapinanh & A. comanagement of this protected area will require Pinyopummin signifi cant capacity building and trust building Effect of pentoxifylline on the motility activities. Intragroup differences show that all characteristics and viability of spermatozoa in three factors are signifi cant, and underscore the Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) with low importance of addressing gender differences in semen quality attitudes about HWC in particular. Women were Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine 38 #3 (2008) less likely than men to support compensation, 37-45

64 Abstract. To investigate the effects of studies lacked data from India and Myanmar, pentoxifylline (PTX) to enhance the motility and which host approximately 70 per cent of all fertilization capacity of semen samples with the extant Asian elephants. In this paper, we analyse low-motile sperm in Asian elephants, fourteen mtDNA sequence data from 534 Asian elephants semen collection attempts in 9 elephant bulls by across the species’s range to explain the current manual stimulation were undertaken and eleven distribution of the two divergent clades. Based on ejaculates fi tted the criteria of investigation (0- phylogenetic reconstructions, estimates of times 30% motility). They were divided into two groups: of origin of clades, probable ancestral areas of poor-motile (0-9% motility) and low-motile origin inferred from dispersal-vicariance analyses (10-30% motility) sperm groups. Fresh semen and the available record, we believe both samples were divided as a control group and 3 clades originated from Elephas hysudricus. This experimental groups that were supplemented probably occurred allopatrically in different with PTX at a fi nal concentration of 0.5, 1.0 and glacial refugia, the alpha clade in the Myanmar 2.0 mg/ml, respectively. The semen samples were region and the beta clade possibly in southern incubated at 37ºC for 15 and 30 mins and stained India-Sri Lanka, 1.6-2.1 Myr ago. Results from with VIADENT media for viability assessment. nested clade and dispersal-vicariance analyses Sperm motility and viability were tested using indicate a subsequent isolation and independent computer-assisted semen analysis. PTX added diversifi cation of the beta clade in both Sri Lanka to the semen did not signifi cantly improve the and the Sunda region, followed by northward percentage of the total and progressive motility, expansion of the clade. We also fi nd more recent motility characteristics and viability of sperm in population expansions in both clades based on either the poor-or low-motile groups. However, mismatch distributions. We therefore suggest a at 30 min, in the low-motile sperm group, PTX contraction-expansion scenario during severe treatment could maintain the percentage of climatic oscillations of the Quaternary, with range total and progressive motility, path velocity expansions from different refugia during warmer and progressive velocity at a higher level than interglacials leading to the varying geographical the control group. The present study indicated overlaps of the two mtDNA clades. We also that PTX added to low motility semen did not demonstrate that trade in Asian elephants has increase elephant semen quality. However, it not substantially altered the species’s mtDNA may partially have a tendency to maintain sperm population genetic structure. © 2008 The Royal motility and sperm movement characteristics. © Society. 2008 Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine. J.F.X. Wellehan, A.J. Johnson, A.L. Childress, T.N.C. Vidya, R. Sukumar & D.J. Melnick K.E. Harr & R. Isaza Range-wide mtDNA phylogeography yields Six novel gammaherpesviruses of Afrotheria insights into the origins of Asian elephants provide insight into the early divergence of Proceedings of the Royal Society B 276 (2009) the Gammaherpesvirinae 893–902 Veterinary Microbiology 127 (2008) 249-257 Abstract. Recent phylogeographic studies of the Abstract. The Afrotheria represent an early endangered Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) branching of placental mammals. Only two reveal two highly divergent mitochondrial DNA herpesviruses from Afrotheria have been (mtDNA) lineages, an elucidation of which is previously identifi ed, and the genus Proboscivirus central to understanding the species’s evolution. in the subfamily Betaherpesvirinae has been Previous explanations for the divergent clades proposed for them. Six novel gammaherpesviruses include introgression of mtDNA haplotypes were identifi ed in four species in the superorder between ancestral species, allopatric divergence Afrotheria by detection and analysis of their of the clades between Sri Lanka or the Sunda DNA polymerase genes. Elephantid herpesvirus region and the mainland, historical trade of 3 (ElHV3) and Elephantid herpesvirus 4 (ElHV4) elephants, and retention of divergent lineages were identifi ed from conjunctival swabs from due to large population sizes. However, these Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). ElHV3 was

65 also found in a vaginal swab from one elephant available CD of classical music. Each condition with vaginitis. Elephantid herpesvirus 5 (ElHV5) lasted for fi ve days, with an interim period of was identifi ed from vaginal swabs of two Asian two days between each condition (Study 1). The elephants with vaginal plaques. Elephantid elephants’ behaviour was recorded every minute herpesvirus 6 was discovered in a conjunctival for four hours a day for the full fi ve days of each swab from an African elephant (Loxodonta condition using instantaneous scan-sampling. africana). Procavid herpesvirus 1 (PrHV1) was The procedure was repeated four months later found in spleen and conjunctival swabs of rock (Study 2), for a shorter period of time (one day hyrax (Procavia capensis). Trichechid herpesvirus per condition, again using an ABA design) to 1 (TrHV1) was identifi ed from skin and buffy assess whether the results are generalisable. coats of Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus Analysis of both studies revealed that the latirostris). ElHV3 and ElHV4 form a distinct elephants spent signifi cantly less of their time cluster, and ElHV5, ElHV6, TrHV1, and PrHV1 stereotyping during the experimental conditions form a second cluster. These viruses may have than the control. None of the other behaviours codiverged with their host species. Phylogenetic recorded were infl uenced signifi cantly by analysis of these novel herpesviruses suggests auditory stimulation. Overall, the fi ndings from that two separate groups of gammaherpesviruses this study suggest that auditory stimulation, may have codiverged with the Afrotheria. © 2007 in the form of classical music, may be a useful with permission from Elsevier. method of reducing stereotypic behaviour in zoo- housed Asian elephants, although more long-term D.L. Wells & R.M. Irwin work with a larger number of animals is needed Auditory stimulation as enrichment for zoo- before fi rm conclusions can be drawn. © 2008 housed Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) with permission from Universities Federation for Animal Welfare 17 (2008) 335-340 Animal Welfare. Abstract. This study explored the effect of auditory stimulation on the behaviour and welfare of four zoo-housed, female Asian elephants If you need additional information on any of the (Elephas maximus). All animals were exposed, articles in the above section, please feel free to in an ABA design, to two conditions of auditory contact me. You can also let me know about new stimulation: a ‘control’ (no auditory stimulation), (2009) publications on Asian elephants. and an ‘experimental’ condition, during which the animals were presented with a commercially- E-mail: [email protected]

Collared elephant in southern Sri Lanka. Her movements can be followed on the internet via “facebook” in the group “Sapumali the Elephant”. Photo by Jennifer Pastorini

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