News and Briefs Gajah 49 (2018) 36-54

Recent Publications on Asian Elephants

Compiled by Jennifer Pastorini

Anthropologisches Institut, Universität Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland Centre for Conservation and Research, Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka E-mail: [email protected]

If you need additional information on any of the times higher occurrence for parasitic infection articles, please feel free to contact me. You can than males. Both length and width of parasite egg also let me know about new (2019) publications size classes were used to classify into different on Asian elephants. taxonomic groups using discriminate function analysis. Three distinct size clusters were T.V. Abhijith, M. Ashokkumar, R.T. Dencin & C. identifed. Nematode and Cestode eggs were George classifed correctly with 95.7% accuracy. Since, Gastrointestinal parasites of Asian elephants the egg size was similar in nematode group (Elephas maximus L. 1798) in south Wayanad separation into genus was diffcult. Further, forest division, Kerala, India inclusion of stages of development of egg and Journal of Parasitic Diseases 42(2018) 382-390 larvae enable better separation. © 2018 Reprinted Abstract. Microscopic-coprological exami- by permission from Springer Nature. nation of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus L., 1798) dung piles (n = 55) in South Wayanad P. Bansiddhi, J.L. Brown, C. Thitaram, V. Forest Division from March to August, 2017 Punyapornwithaya, C. Somgird, K.L. Edwards revealed 74.5% prevalence of parasites in & K. Nganvongpanit elephants. Ancylostoma sp. Anoplocephala sp., Changing trends in elephant camp manage- Strongyle type egg and Strongyloides sp. were ment in northern Thailand and implications the major parasites recorded. Strongyloides for welfare sp. and Strongyle type egg were observed PeerJ 6 (2018) e5996 more frequently (58.1%). Ancylostoma sp. Abstract. Elephant camps are among the and Anoplocephala sp. were constituted 1.8% most attractive destinations in Thailand for each; mixed parasitic species infections were tourists from many countries. A wide range of recorded. The frequency distribution of parasitic management strategies are used by these camps, load in elephants showed skewed distribution which can have varied impacts on health and of propagules. Centrifugal sedimentation and welfare of elephants. This study surveyed 33 foatation methods of fecal examination of outer camps with 627 elephants in northern Thailand and inner regions of dung did not show signifcant to quantify the types of management practices difference in number of propagules. The highest and work activities experienced by captive number of parasitic propagules was recorded in elephants. The survey consisted of an interview foatation method. The number of propagules with camp owners, and direct observations of varied among dung samples of different herds camp operations. Data revealed considerable collected from different localities. There were variation in elephant demographics, work no relation between the parasitic load and age of activities, elephant care (i.e., housing, restraint, elephants. The mean density of parasite eggs was nutrition, health care, and breeding), and mahout higher in solitary animals (214.3 ± 155.4 epg) management among the camps. In general, older than herd elephants (147.78 ± 111.1 epg). Though camps (those in existence for >16 years) were parasitic load was higher in solitary males, based involved in more intensive activities, like riding on the occurrence of parasites using logistic with saddles and shows. By contrast, newer camps regression it was found that females had 1.83 provided more one-on-one activities for tourists

36 and elephants, and emphasized more intimate, V. Behringer, C. Deimel, G. Hohmann, J. Negrey, relaxing experiences (e.g., feeding, bathing, F.S. Schaebs, T. Deschner walking) than entertainment. A demographic Applications for non-invasive thyroid hormone shift also was observed, with elephants 20 years measurements in mammalian ecology, growth, of age and younger having a sex ratio closer to and maintenance 1:1 compared to elephants in older age categories Hormones and Behavior 105 (2018) 66-85 (1:4.1–1:9.8). Shifts in elephant management to Abstract. Thyroid hormones (THs) play a less intensive activities were observed, which pivotal role in the regulation of metabolic activity could have positive implications for elephant throughout all life stages. Cross-talk with other welfare. The shifting sex ratio suggests successful hormone systems permits THs to coordinate captive breeding is resulting in the birth of metabolic changes as well as modifcations in more males, which could present new welfare growth and maintenance in response to changing challenges in the future, because bulls can be environmental conditions. The scope of this more diffcult to manage and socialize, and are review is to explain the relevant basics of TH more likely to be kept isolated during musth. endocrinology, highlight pertinent topics that Ultimately, the goal is to understand how camp have been investigated so far, and offer guidance activities affect welfare, and to develop science- on measuring THs in non-invasively collected based guidelines and standards to aid in the matrices. The frst part of the review provides an management of both male and female elephants overview of TH biochemistry, which is necessary used in tourism. © 2018 The Authors. to understand and interpret the fndings of existing studies and to apply non-invasive TH K.L. Bauer, E. Latimer & M. Finnegan monitoring. The second part focuses on the Long-term, intermittent, low-level elephant role of THs in mammalian ecology, and the endotheliotropic herpesvirus 1A viremia in a third part highlights the role of THs in growth captive Asian elephant calf and maintenance. The fourth part deals with the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation advantages and diffculties of measuring THs in 30 (2018) 917-919 non-invasively collected samples. This review Abstract. A 2-y-old male Asian elephant concludes with a summary that considers future (Elephas maximus), with an elevated platelet directions in the study of THs. © 2018 Reprinted count (1,100 × 109/L [1,100 × 103/mm3]), tested with permission from Elsevier. positive for elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus 1A (EEHV-1A) on conventional PCR (cPCR) of John Carey EDTA whole blood. No clinical signs were ever Science and culture: Animal cognition reported and no treatment was administered, but research offers outreach opportunity low-level viremia persisted for 2.5 y based on PNAS 115 (2018) 4522-4524 results of cPCR and/or real-time PCR (rtPCR). Abstract. none. Sequencing confrmed that the EEHV-1A detected was identical at the beginning through Daniel C. Fisher the end of the time period. No other elephants in Paleobiology of Pleistocene proboscideans the herd tested positive for EEHV-1 during this Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences time period. Platelet counts remained elevated 46 (2018) 229-260 throughout the viremia and throughout the Abstract. The paleobiology of Pleistocene animal’s life, and direct correlation between the proboscideans plays a pivotal role in un- elevated platelet counts and EEHV-1A viremia derstanding their history and in answering could not be confrmed. We document long-term, fundamental questions involving their inter- intermittent, low-level viremia of EEHV-1A and actions with other taxa, including humans. Much provide additional information to consider when of our view of proboscidean paleobiology is determining if treatment is warranted in a case of infuenced by analogies with extant elephants. EEHV infection. © 2018 The Authors. However, a wealth of information is available for reconstructing the paleobiology of ancient

37 proboscideans using data from fossil specimens A. Fuery, A.M. Leen, R. Peng, M.C. Wong, H. and preservational settings. Remarkable oppor- Liu & P.D. Ling tunities include permafrost- derived specimens Asian elephant T cell responses to elephant with preserved soft tissue, intestinal contents endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) with direct evidence of diet, and compositional Journal of Virology 92 (2018) e01951-17 and structural profles with subannual temporal Abstract. Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus resolution archived in appositional systems such (EEHV) can cause lethal hemorrhagic disease in as proboscidean tusks. New information on juvenile Asian elephants, an endangered species. diets and local climates puts our understanding One hypothesis to explain this vulnerability of of proboscidean paleoecology on a frmer some juvenile elephants is that they fail to mount foundation, but the greatest prospects for new an effective T cell response to the virus. To our insight spring from life history data now being knowledge, there have been no studies of Asian retrieved from accelerator mass spectrometry– elephant T cell responses to EEHV. To address dated fossil material. Interaction between humans this defciency, we validated the IFN-γ ELISpot and proboscideans has been a critical factor in assay for tracking antigen-directed T cell activity the history of both groups. © 2018 Reproduced by monitoring rabies-specifc responses in with permission from Annual Reviews. vaccinated elephants. Additionally, we generated monoclonal antibodies to Asian elephant Dennys Frenez CD4 and CD8 to facilitate phenotypic T cell Manufacturing and trade of Asian elephant profling. Using these tools, we screened healthy ivory in Bronze Age Middle Asia. Evidence elephants with a prior history of EEHV infection from Gonur Depe (Margiana, Turkmenistan) for reactivity against 9 EEHV proteins whose Archaeological Res. in Asia 15 (2018) 13-33 counterparts in other herpesviruses are known to Abstract. This paper presents the detailed induce T cell responses in their natural hosts. We stylistic and functional analysis of a large identifed glycoprotein B (gB) and the putative collection of artifacts made from Asian elephant regulatory protein E40 as the most immunogenic ivory discovered at the Oxus Civilization site of T cell targets (IFN-γ responses in 5 of 7 elephants) Gonur Depe in southern Turkmenistan. Artifacts followed by the major capsid protein (MCP) in ivory of Asian elephant from Bronze Age sites (IFN-γ responses in 3 of 7 elephants). We also in Middle Asia have usually been considered as observed that IFN-γ responses were largely from evidence for the import of fnished items from CD4+ T cells. We detected no activity against the the greater Indus Valley. The detailed study of predicted major immediate early (E44) and large the Gonur Depe ivories has instead proven that tegument (E34) proteins- both immunodominant there are signifcant morphological and stylistic T cell targets in humans latently infected with differences between these artifacts and those cytomegalovirus. These studies have identifed found at contemporaneous sites in the Indus EEHV-specifc T cells in Asian elephants for the Valley. This evidence raises important questions frst time, lending insight into the T cell priming about the provenance of the raw material and that might be required to protect against EEHV about the origin and training of the craftsmen disease and will guide the design of effective who manufactured the objects. Detailed research vaccine strategies. © 2018 The Authors. in textual sources about traditional arts and crafts in South Asia and in classical and medieval Mayuri Gogoi commentaries about ivory carving, integrated Emotional coping among communities af- with ethnographic data about skilled crafting fected by wildlife-caused damage in north-east in traditional societies, has led to propose new India: Opportunities for building tolerance hypotheses about the complex socioeconomic and improving conservation outcomes and cultural organization of manufacturing and Oryx 52 (2018) 214-219 trade of Asian elephant ivory during the Bronze Abstract. Human–wildlife confict has been the Age. © 2017 Reprinted with permission from focus of much research, and incidents of damage Elsevier. caused by wildlife to communities, as well as

38 damage inficted on wildlife by people, have maximus) that differ in relatedness been studied extensively to determine causes, Animals 8 (2018) e132 conditions, impacts and mitigation strategies. Abstract. Opportunities for positive social However, few studies have explored the coping interaction are important in captive animals, strategies employed by communities to deal with and social interactions can be used as a welfare these stressful events. Understanding coping is indicator. Wild elephants live in related multi- important, as effective coping builds tolerance generational herds; however, in captivity they towards wildlife, whereas poor coping erodes are often managed in less related groups, tolerance and thus jeopardizes conservation. which could impact the quality of their social Interviews conducted with people who had interactions, and thus their welfare. Here, we used experienced damage caused by wild elephants a limited social network analysis to investigate Elephas maximus in eight villages of Assam, in the social interactions in two groups of four north-east India, found that the stress experienced female captive Asian elephants, one of which by the communities as a result of the damage was contained individuals that were all related to one eased by their religious beliefs associated with another, whilst the other was a mix of related and elephants, and their feelings of empathy towards unrelated individuals. Data on pairwise social these animals. Belief in the elephant as God and interactions was collected from eight days of as avenger of wrong-doing further strengthened video footage using an all-occurrence sampling people’s coping capacity. These fndings have technique. More affliative, and fewer agonistic positive implications for elephant conservation, interactions were observed in the related elephant showing that people’s tolerance towards group. Additionally, non-contact displacement marauding elephants can be based on religious was observed at a higher frequency in the related beliefs rather than compensation for losses. © elephant group, which we theorise represents 2018 Fauna & Flora International. an established functioning hierarchy, avoiding the need for overt aggression over resources. B.L. Hart & L.A. Hart Although kinship is not likely to be the only factor How mammals stay healthy in nature: The affecting captive elephant social behaviour, these evolution of behaviours to avoid parasites and fndings support the recommendation that for pathogens optimal welfare, elephants should be managed Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society in multigenerational family herds. Evaluations B 373 (2018) e20170205 of social interactions such as those conducted Abstract. Mammals live and thrive in here would have wider applicability for aiding environments presenting ongoing threats from the management of any captive social species to parasites in the form of biting fies, ticks and identify when groups might be incompatible. © intestinal worms and from pathogens as wound 2018 The Authors. contaminants and agents of infectious disease. Several strategies have evolved that enable R. Hufenus, C. Schiffmann, J.‐M. Hatt, D.W.H. animals to deal with parasites and pathogens, Müller, L.B. Lackey, M. Clauss & P. Zerbe including eliminating away from the sleeping– Seasonality of reproduction in Asian elephants resting areas, use of an array of grooming Elephas maximus and African elephants techniques, use of saliva in licking, and Loxodonta africana: Underlying photoperiodic consuming medicinal plant-based compounds. cueing? These strategies all are species-specifc and Mammal Review 48 (2018) 261-276 refect the particular environment that the animal Abstract. Animals in seasonal environments inhabits. © 2018 The Authors. often rely on photoperiodicity to time their reproduction. Elephants have a gestation length N.D. Harvey, C. Daly, N. Clark, E. Ransford, S. of approximately two years and a historical Wallace & L. Yon geographic distribution including higher latitudes Social interactions in two groups of zoo- than at present, so the evolution of a seasonal housed adult female Asian elephants (Elephas breeding pattern cued by photoperiodicity and

39 timed to the long‐day period is a theoretical looms as a major threat to global biodiversity option in both species. We reviewed literature and ecosystem function. A critical aspect in on reproductive patterns in free‐ranging, semi‐ planning trophic rewilding projects is the captive and captive Asian and African elephants, selection of suitable sites that match the needs photoperiodic cueing, seasonal variation in body of the focal species under both current and future condition, and other factors infuencing their climates. Species distribution models (SDMs) reproduction, as well as data from zoological are currently the main tools to derive spatially collections on the timing of births. Most of explicit predictions of environmental suitability the free‐ranging and all the semi‐captive and for species, but the extent of their adoption for captive elephant populations showed a moderate trophic rewilding projects has been limited. yet distinct seasonal breeding pattern. Peak Here, we provide an overview of applications breeding activity of free‐ranging Asian elephants of SDMs to trophic rewilding projects, outline took place in either the dry or the wet season, methodological choices and issues, and provide with no preference for short‐day or long‐day a synthesis and outlook. We then predict the breeding at low latitudes (close to the equator) potential distribution of 17 large-bodied taxa but a preference for long‐day breeding at higher proposed as trophic rewilding candidates and latitudes. Semi‐captive Asian elephants mainly which represent different continents and habitats. bred in the dry season when body condition was We identifed widespread climatic suitability for lowest and day‐lengths were increasing. Peak these species in the discussed (re)introduction conception often occurred in the wet season regions under current climates. Climatic in free‐ranging African elephants when body conditions generally remain suitable in the future, condition was highest, with no evident preference although some species will experience reduced for short‐day or long‐day breeding at low suitability in parts of these regions. We conclude latitudes but preference for long‐day breeding that climate change is not a major barrier to at higher latitudes. Asian and African elephants trophic rewilding as currently discussed in the in zoos at latitudes from 43 to 53°N tended to literature. © 2018 The Authors. conceive more often during spring and summer, i.e. when day‐lengths were increasing. Body D. Jebb & M. Hiller condition was not reported to vary signifcantly Recurrent loss of HMGCS2 shows that keto- throughout the year and was rather high compared genesis is not essential for the evolution of to in the wild. We hypothesise that elephants are large mammalian brains ‘long‐day breeders’ in which the photoperiodic eLife 7 (2018) e38906 timing of conception can be infuenced by many Abstract. Apart from glucose, fatty acid-derived additional factors. Strategies to encourage natural ketone bodies provide metabolic energy for the conception in captive populations should include brain during fasting and neonatal development. measures aimed at increasing breeding incentives We investigated the evolution of HMGCS2, in the northern hemisphere spring. © 2018 The the key enzyme required for ketone body Mammal Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. biosynthesis (ketogenesis). Unexpectedly, we found that three mammalian lineages, comprising S. Jarvie & J.-C. Svenning cetaceans (dolphins and whales), elephants and Using species distribution modelling to mastodons, and Old World fruit bats have lost determine opportunities for trophic rewilding this gene. Remarkably, many of these species under future scenarios of climate change have exceptionally large brains and signs of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society intelligent behavior. While fruit bats are sensitive B 373 (2018) e20170446 to starvation, cetaceans and elephants can still Abstract. Trophic rewilding, the (re)introduction withstand periods of fasting. This suggests that of species to promote self-regulating biodiverse alternative strategies to fuel large brains during ecosystems, is a future-oriented approach to fasting evolved repeatedly and reveals fexibility ecological restoration. In the twenty-frst century in mammalian energy metabolism. Furthermore, and beyond, human-mediated climate change we show that HMGCS2 loss preceded brain size

40 expansion in toothed whales and elephants. Thus, A.M. Jukar, S.K. Lyons & M.D. Uhen while ketogenesis was likely important for brain A cranial correlate of body mass in size expansion in modern humans, ketogenesis is proboscideans not a universal precondition for the evolution of Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 184 large mammalian brains. (2018) 919-931 Abstract. Allometric scaling relationships are Yuan Jin & Hui Fan often used to estimate the body mass (BM) of Land use/land cover change and its impacts extinct mammalian taxa. For proboscideans, on protected areas in Mengla County, shoulder height or limb bone dimensions have Xishuangbanna, Southwest China typically been used to estimate BM. However, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 190 these skeletal correlates are only useful when (2018) e509 a complete forelimb is available, or when limb Abstract. Land use/land cover change (LUCC) elements can be identifed to the species level. in tropical areas threatens biodiversity and Several taxa are known or can be identifed from protected area integrity and then affects global cranial remains alone, which poses a problem ecosystem functions and services. In this study, for BM estimation. Here, we develop allometric the spatiotemporal patterns and processes of equations to predict the total length and the LUCC in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna, minimum circumference of the humerus or which is located on the northern edge of tropical femur of derived proboscideans from the breadth Asia, were examined using a modifed post- of the occipital condyles. These predicted classifcation change detection technique based measurements are then used to estimate body on random forest classifers and Landsat images size from existing equations derived from acquired at a 5-year time interval (e.g., 1994, regressions on limb bones. We developed 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014) from 1994 to 2014, equations using a combined sample of both with a special focus on protected areas and their extinct and extant proboscidean taxa. Equations surroundings. The overall accuracies of land use/ for specifc families were derived when possible. land cover classifcation reached 90.13–97.90%, We fnd that occipital condyle breadth is a robust with kappa coeffcients of 0.84–0.96. Massive but predictor of limb bone dimensions. Estimated decelerating conversion from forests to artifcial BM values from predicted limb measurements plantations has occurred in recent decades. From were a good match to actual BM, and estimates 1994 to 2014, the area of plantations increased by from actual limb measurements. Our method 1833.85 km2, whereas that of forests decreased will allow researchers to study BM evolution in by 1942.67 km2. The expanded areas of artifcial proboscideans using a greater range of specimens. plantations decreased from 158.41 km2 per year in © 2018 The Linnean Society of London. 1994–1999 to 59.70 km2 per year in 2009–2014. More considerable transformation from forests T. Kalam, H.K. Baishya & D. Smith to artifcial plantations occurred in lowland areas Lethal fence electrocution: A major threat to with elevations below 1000 m and at the edges Asian elephants in Assam, India of National Nature Reserves, which observed Tropical Conservation Science 11 (2018) 1-8 a forest loss rate of greater than 40% between Abstract. India has the largest population of 1994 and 2014. This poses serious challenges for Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) worldwide. sustaining both protected areas and surrounding Habitat fragmentation and loss of habitat have human communities and to solve the increasingly diminished food resources, and wild elephants escalating human-elephant conficts. The have resorted to raiding crops grown within complex food, biodiversity, and land use nexus or adjacent to their home range. Elephants are in this region remain to be untangled in future often deliberately electrocuted for foraying into study. © 2018 Reprinted by permission from human-used areas, and this is a key reason for Springer Nature. elephant mortalities in India. We collated data on elephant mortalities for a 13-year period (2003– 2016) from the Forest Department records. We

41 conducted surveys across Sonitpur District mothers and infants. Recent fndings suggest (East and West Forest Division), Assam, where the contribution of lateralized mother–infant electric fences are installed and documented interactions to biological ftness. Mother and their location, properties, and elephant presence. infant both can gain advantage from keeping the Overall, 138 elephants died between 2003 and other on the left side. © 2018 Elsevier. 2016 due to retaliation, electrocution, accidental or natural death, and unknown reasons. We N. Kido, S. Tanaka, T. Omiya, Y. Shoji, M. Sen- recorded 47 electric fences (27 lethal and 20 zaki, S. Hanzawa, M. Ando, T. Osaki, H. Hatai, nonlethal) of which 49% were situated within N. Miyoshi, T. Hifumi, N. Suzuki & S. Kawakami notifed forest boundaries. Most lethal fences Novel treatment for chronic pododermatitis in (63%) protected agriculture felds and were an Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) seasonal installations, whereas nonlethal fences with Mohs’ paste protected settlements and forest edges (25% Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 80 (2018) each) and were permanent. Individuals controlled 1834-1838 52% of all lethal fences, while nonlethal fences Abstract. Asian and African elephants are were primarily controlled by the communities frequently afficted by foot disorders that can be (50%). Most lethal fences (83%) were less than very challenging to manage even with aggressive 1 km, whereas 80% of nonlethal fences were therapy. Such conditions may have indirect life- over 1 km. Elephant presence was seasonal in threatening effects. Mohs’ paste (zinc chloride 56% of lethal fence locations and year-round in based escharotic agent) was used to treat a female 85% of nonlethal fence locations. We postulate Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) habitat loss and encroachment as two key aged 39 years with foot disorder at Kanazawa drivers of fence installations. We recommend Zoological Gardens. Degenerated hyperplastic rehabilitation of encroachers, monitoring of areas tissue was observed inside the hoofs of digits 2 where electricity is tapped illegally, sensitization and 5. Mohs’ paste was applied on the lesions, of local communities, and involving multiple which coagulated the hyperplastic tissue and stakeholders to help reduce elephant mortalities restrained its proliferation. Subsequently, the because of electrocution. © 2018 The Authors. hyperplastic tissue could be trimmed with little pain, and the disorder became manageable. Mohs’ K. Karenina & A. Giljov paste treatment was effective and is expected to Mother and offspring lateralized social be an alternative treatment for hoof disorder. © behavior across mammalian species 2018 Japanese Society of Veterinary Science. Progress in Brain Research 238 (2018) 115-141 Abstract. Findings on nonprimate mammals J.C. Kishbaugh, M.T. Valitutto, J.E. Ober, D.M. place the issue of mother–infant lateralized Zimmerman, L.L. Howard, D.L. Schmitt, C.R. relations in a broader context, demonstrating that Sanchez & S. Murray humans are one of many species showing this Do lyophilized platelets hold promise for feature. The remarkable interspecies consistency treatment of hemorrhagic diseases in wild in the direction of lateralization points to a animals? continuity between lateralized mother–infant Journal of the American Veterinary Medical interactions in primates and nonprimate mammals Association 252 (2018) 168-170 and suggests ancient evolutionary roots of human Abstract. none. cradling bias. The results from species which, in contrast to primates, have no direct involvement V. Kochakul, K. Boonsri, S. Tiwananthagorn, C. of forelimbs in mother–infant spatial interactions Somgird, C. Thitaram & K. Pringproa clearly support the perceptual origin of this type Development of in situ hybridization for of lateralization. A right hemisphere advantage detection of elephant endotheliotropic herpes- for social functions relevant to mother–infant virus in Asian elephants interactions is the most probable background Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation for the left-sided biases in the behavior of 30 (2018) 628-632

42 Abstract. Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus between populations. A cluster analysis was (EEHV) is one of the most important viral performed using Unweight Pair-Group Method infectious diseases affecting the elephant with Arithmetic Mean and dendrograms, which population worldwide, especially juveniles and illustrated genetic relationships among captive young adults. We developed a chromogenic Asian elephants that included 2 main clusters in situ hybridization (ISH) test for detection of across the seven camps and 27 clusters for the 97 EEHV in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). individual elephants. This high variability may be Digoxigenin (DIG) DNA probes from the due to the different origins of these individuals, polymerase and terminase genes of EEHV including originating from other Asian countries. were synthesized using a PCR DIG-labeling Thus, this study showed that intersimple method, and detection of hybridized probe to sequence repeat marker analysis was effective target EEHV DNA was carried out by anti-DIG in demonstrating high genetic diversity among immunolabeling. Distribution of EEHV-1A and captive Asian elephants in Chiang Mai province EEHV-4 genomes was found to be prominent and found cluster differences that could be used in mononuclear phagocytic cells of spleen to guide breeding management to decrease the and endothelial cells of visceral organs. ISH risk of inbreeding among Asian elephant groups. enables the detection of EEHV infection and has © 2018 The Authors. applications in understanding pathogenesis of EEHV in Asian elephants. © 2018 The Authors. M.A. Kumar, S. Vijayakrishnan & M. Singh Whose habitat is it anyway? Role of natural W. Kriangwanich, K. Nganvongpanit, K. and anthropogenic habitats in conservation of Buddhachat, J.L. Brown, P. Siengdee, S. charismatic species Chomdej, P. Bansiddhi & C. Thitaram Tropical Conservation Science 11 (2018) 1-5 Genetic diversity and variation in captive Abstract. Developmental activities have been Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in one of the major drivers of conversion of natural Thailand forest areas into mosaics of forest fragments, Tropical Conservation Science 11 (2018) 1-10 agriculture, and plantations, threatening the Abstract. Numbers of wild Asian elephants existence of wildlife species in such altered (Elephas maximus) have been decreasing landscapes. Most conservation research and gradually throughout Asia due primarily to actions are protected area centric and seldom human activities, such as poaching, and habitat addresses the importance of landscape matrices encroachment and destruction that lead to human– around these protected areas in providing habitats elephant confict. Sustainability problems exist to a wide range of species. In this article, we bring in captive populations as well, where morbidity out the crucial role of natural and anthropogenic and mortality rates are high and reproduction habitats for the existence of three charismatic is low. Determining the genetic diversity of species, namely, Asian elephants, leopard, these populations is essential for conservation and lion-tailed macaques. The larger public and sustainable utilization efforts. Intersimple perception of where the animals should be and sequence repeat markers were used to assess the where the animals actually are is also discussed. genetic variation and differentiation in 97 captive We emphasize that, while habitat generalists Asian elephants from seven elephant camps in often adapt behaviorally and ecologically to Chiang Mai, Thailand. The nine primers chosen modifed landscapes, habitat specialists, such for the analysis revealed 88 bands in male and 115 as the lion-tailed macaques could fnd survival bands in female elephants, of which 37 (42.05%) harder, with increasing anthropogenic pressures and 83 (63.64%) were polymorphic, respectively. and loss of their habitats. © 2018 The Authors. Shannon’s index information (I = 2.415 ± 0.054) and expected heterozygosity (He = 0.892 ± 0.008) S.P.S. Kushwaha, S. Nandy, M.A. Shah, R. indicated high species- level genetic diversity. Agarwal & S. Mukhopadhyay

The fxation index (Fst) was –0.130 ± 0.016, Forest cover monitoring and prediction in a demonstrating there was no genetic subdivision Lesser Himalayan elephant landscape

43 Current Science 115 (2018) 510-516 of a single panmictic population in the region. Abstract. We have monitored the forest cover Demographic tests produced some indication of depletion in parts of Assam and Arunachal a recent bottleneck in the microsatellite dataset, Pradesh over an area of 42,375 km2 in an elephant but the mtDNA sequences did not show either landscape falling in the Lesser Himalaya, North a signature of past expansion or bottlenecks. © East India and report the results here. The US 2018 Associazione Teriologica Italiana. Army topographic maps (1924) and multi-date satellite images (1975, 1990, 2000 and 2009) M. Lahdenperä, K.U. Mar, A. Courtiol & V. were visually interpreted on-screen for post- Lummaa classifcation comparison and forest cover change Differences in age-specifc mortality between detection. The exercise showed continuous high wild-caught and captive-born Asian elephants loss of forest cover during the study period. Nature Communications 9 (2018) e3023 A land area having 17,846.27 km2 forest in Abstract. Wild-capture of numerous species 1924 was depleted to 12,514.56 km2 by 1975, is common for diverse purposes, including 11,861.75 km2 by 1990, 10,808.92 km2 by 2000 medical experiments, conservation, veterinary and 10,256.58 km2 by 2009, thereby indicating interventions and research, but little objective data a constant decrease in forest cover by 12.59%, exists on its consequences. We use exceptional 1.54%, 2.48% and 1.31% respectively. The total demographic records on Asian elephants from loss in forest cover was estimated to be about 7590 timber camps in Myanmar to investigate the km2 from 1924 to 2009. The Cellular Automata long-term consequences of wild-capture during Markov Model has predicted a further likely 1951–2000 on their mortality (N = 5150). We decrease of 9007.14 km2 by 2028. In general, show that captured elephants have increased more districts of Assam than Arunachal Pradesh mortality compared to captive-born elephants, and more plains than hills faced deforestation. We regardless of their capture method. These have identifed increasing human population and detrimental effects of capture are similar for subsequent demand on the land for cultivation as both sexes but differ substantially according to major reasons for forest cover depletion. age. Elephants captured and tamed at older ages show a higher increase in mortality after capture S. Kusza, F. Suchentrunk, H. Pucher, K.U Mar & than elephants captured and tamed young. F.E. Zachos Moreover, the increased mortality risk following High levels of mitochondrial genetic diversity capture and taming is still perceived several in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) from years after capture. Our results are timely given Myanmar the continued capture of elephants and other HYSTRIX the Italian Journal of Mammalogy 29 wild animals to supplement captive populations (2018) 152-154 despite the alarming declines of wild populations Abstract. We analysed mtDNA control region globally. © 2018 The Authors. sequences and 11 microsatellites in 78 Asian working elephants (Elephas maximus) from two Nicolas Lainé camps in Myanmar (ca. 60 km apart), which Asian elephant conservation: Too elephanto- holds the second largest elephant population in centric? Towards a biocultural approach of Asia. We found limited heterozygosity (overall conservation Ho and He of 0.55 and 0.59) but high mtDNA Asian Bioethics Review 10 (2018) 279-293 diversity (overall haplotype and nucleotide Abstract. Drawing from the example of Asian diversities of 0.89 and 0.011, respectively) due elephant (Elephas maximus) conservation in to the presence of both mitochondrial lineages Laos, this article primarily intends to reveal the (α and β) known for Asian elephants. The elephantocentric vision adopted by mainstream fact that 13 of the 23 haplotypes found in this conservation project in direction to the species. In study were novel emphasises the importance of the second part, I will present some ethnographic Myanmar for the conservation of this endangered notes collected among local population who species. Both markers support the occurence daily live and work with pachyderms. These

44 notes will help in opening up a broader and more imposing severe impacts upon the production and ecocentric approach of elephant conservation living activities and even personal safety of the by highlighting links between biological and residents. Human-elephant confict has existed as cultural diversity. By revealing the cosmo- a phenomenon of human settlement development ecological view of elephants as thought locally, I for more than 20 years in Xishuangbanna, China. will then propose an enlarged vision of elephant There are periodic incidents of wild elephants conservation. © 2018 Reprinted by permission hurting/killing people as well as feeding on and from National University of Singapore and destroying subsistence and cash crops. It is an Springer Nature. increasingly urgent and important issue for China to resolve while protecting and managing Asian P. Laricchiuta, V. Russo, A. Costagliola, G. elephants. Our study employed an Ecological- Piegari, M. Capasso, P. Silvestre, M. Martano & Niche Factor Analysis model to perform a risk O. Paciello assessment of areas where the Asian elephant Histological and immunohistochemical char- currently is distributed and to predict future acterisation of uterine adenocarcinoma in an risks. It employed a Circuit Theory model based Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) on random walk theory to predict multiple Folia Morphologica 77 (2018) 771-774 potential movement or migration pathways Abstract. A 56-year-old nulliparous female of Asian elephants within Xishuangbanna. Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) living at The results indicated that: (1) the regions with the zoological garden of Naples (Italy), with a human-elephant confict risk in Xishuangbanna clinical history of recurrent colic, was found in Prefecture had an area of about 4349.08 km2, agonal state and humane euthanasia was elected. accounting for 22.77% of the total prefecture At necropsy the uterine body was moderately area, with the risk regions primarily present in increased in size and the lumen was reduced the middle and north parts of Menghai County due to a poorly demarcated and infltrative and Jinghong City and in Mengla County in neoplasm. Furthermore, multiple, whitish, frm which there was a wide geographical distribution nodules were present in both lungs. Histological covering from the south to the north; (2) The examination of the uterine mass revealed regions of agriculture and garden that were epithelial cells arranged in tubular or solid pattern close to Asian elephant distribution and roads infltrating the endometrium and the muscular were likely occurring risk; (3) There were more layer. Immunohistochemical examination potential movement paths of elephants within showed immunoreactivity of neoplastic cells to Mengyang and Menghai distribution regions, oestrogen receptors antibody. Pulmonary lesions which indicated that the connection of these areas were histologically and immunohistochemically was better. While the potential movement paths superimposable to the epithelial uterine neoplasm. of elephants within Mengla and Shangyong were A defnitive diagnosis of uterine adenocarcinoma little; (4) There were some potential movement with pulmonary metastases was made. © 2018 paths between different distribution areas of Via Medica. Asian elephant, but the migration possibility of elephants in different distribution areas was W. Li, P. Liu, X. Guo, L. Wang, Q. Wang, Y. Yu, decreasing due to natural barriers (Mengyang- Y. Dai, L. Li & L. Zhang Menghai has Lancang river) and discontinuous Human-elephant confict in Xishuangbanna potential paths between Mengla and Shangyong. Prefecture, China: Distribution, diffusion, Additionally, we discussed that created and mitigation ecological corridors between different natural Global Ecology and Conserv. 16 (2018) e462 reserves to allow more dispersal and gene fow of Abstract. The confict between humans and elephants and diminish confict between human wild animals is a special type of phenomena and elephant. We also put forward compensation between human development and wild animal suggestions in different risk area. We hope our conservation, not only leading to massive analytical methods can be applied, improved and economic loss to local residents, but also expanded to other areas with similar wildlife

45 damage. © 2018 The Authors. Reprinted with K.R. McConkey, A. Nathalang, W.Y. Brockelman, permission from Elsevier. C. Saralamba, J. Santon, U. Matmoon, R. Somnuk & K. Srinoppawan I. Lueders, C. Niemuller, H.W. Steinmetz, T. Different megafauna vary in their seed Bouts, C. Gray, T. Knauf-Witzens, K. Taya, G. dispersal effectiveness of the megafaunal fruit Watanabe, Y. Yamamotog & A.-K. Oerke Platymitra macrocarpa (Annonaceae) Prolonged luteal lifespan and pseudopreg- PLoS ONE 13 (2018) e0198960 nancy in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) Abstract. The world’s largest terrestrial Animal Reproduction Science 197 (2018) 58-66 animals (megafauna) can play profound roles Abstract. Pseudopregnancy is a physiological in seed dispersal. Yet, the term ‘megafauna’ occurrence in mammals which have copulation is often used to encompass a diverse range induced ovulation, but is rarely described in of body sizes and physiologies of, primarily, spontaneous ovulating species. In this study, herbivorous animals. To determine the extent three cases of prolonged luteal lifespan are to which these animals varied in their seed reported in non-pregnant Asian elephants dispersal effectiveness (SDE), we compared the (Elephas maximus). Case 1 was a 25-year-old contribution of different megafauna for the large- female that had produced three calves previously; fruited Platymitra macrocarpa (Annonaceae), Case 2 was a nulliparous and 32-year-old at the in a tropical evergreen forest in Thailand. We start of the pseudopregnancy episode; and Case quantifed ‘seed dispersal effectiveness’ by 3 occurred in a 49-year-old nulliparous elephant. measuring the quantity and quality contributions Serum progesterone metabolite concentrations of all consumers of P. macrocarpa fruit. Seed remained elevated for 10 months in Case 1. dispersal quantity was the proportion of the crop Urinary progestagens were high for >16 months consumed by each species. Quality was defned in Case 2 and for fve months in Case 3. In Case 1, as the proportion of seeds handled by each multiple persistent corpora lutea were visualized animal taxon that survived to produce a 2-month monthly by ultrasonography. In all three cases, seedling. Megafauna (elephants, sambar deer, uterine leiomyoma were present and progestagen bears) dispersed 78% of seeds that produced concentrations decreased spontaneously. In Case seedlings, with 21% dispersed by gibbons (a 1, the elephant became pregnant 3 years later, medium-sized frugivore). The main megafaunal whilst with Case 2, the female resumed estrous consumers displayed different dispersal cycling normally, and for the Case 3 female, there strategies. Elephants were the most effective was continuation with another prolonged luteal dispersers (37% of seedlings) and they achieved phase before ovarian function was purposely this by being high-quality and low-quantity suppressed. These examples indicate that dispersers. Bears displayed a similar strategy but persistently elevated progestagen concentrations were especially rare visitors to the trees (24% of may not always be indicative of pregnancy in the total seedlings produced). Sambar were high- elephants. The reasons for prolonged luteal quantity dispersers, but most seeds they handled lifespan are not understood, although serum did not survive and they were responsible for prolactin concentrations quantifed in the Case only 17% of seedlings. Gibbons displayed a high 1 female were elevated compared to values SDE relative to their body size, but they probably from previous reports and two other herd mates. cannot match the role of elephants despite being Furthermore, all three elephants had varying more regular consumers of the fruit. The low degrees of uterine pathologies. It is believed that density and poor regeneration of P. macrocarpa in the resulting damage to the endometrium may the study site suggest that current dispersal rates have led to a reaction similar to implantation, by megafauna are insuffcient, possibly refecting which includes prolactin secretion. Prolactin reduced or missing megafauna populations. We may exert luteotropic properties and is thought show that different megafaunal species disperse to initiate luteal rescue during pregnancy in seeds in different ways and may make unique elephants. © 2018 Reprinted with permission contributions to the reproductive success of the from Elsevier. plant species. © 2018 The Authors.

46 L.J. Miller, J.F. Luebke & J. Matiasek and lessons learned Viewing African and Asian elephants at Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 49 (2018) accredited zoological institutions: Conserva- 748-754 tion intent and perceptions of animal welfare Abstract. Tuberculosis (TB) was diagnosed in Zoo Biology 37 (2018) 466-477 four Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in a zoo Abstract. African and Asian elephants are in the United States. The frst case was detected popular within zoos, however there is currently by isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis limited information on how viewing them during routine trunk wash (TW) culture testing impacts zoo visitors. The goal of the current study of a herd of eight elephants. Retrospective was to examine the relationship between viewing antibody analyses revealed seroconversion 1 elephants in zoos accredited by the Association yr before diagnosis. Serological testing of the of Zoos and Aquariums and zoo visitors’ reported whole elephant herd identifed two additional conservation intent and perceptions of animal suspect bulls with detectable antibody, but which welfare. Visitors were systematically selected remained culture-negative and had no clinical to fll out questionnaires following elephant signs of disease. In the following months, M. observation at nine facilities throughout North tuberculosis, identical to the isolate from the America. Questions included information on index case, was isolated from TW samples conservation predispositions, exhibit experience, of these two elephants. A fourth elephant exhibit perceptions, animal welfare perceptions, seroconverted nearly 4 yr after the frst TB case emotional experience, learning outcomes, was detected, and M. tuberculosis was isolated conservation intent, and demographics. Results from a TW sample collected 1 mo later. All four suggest that observing elephants engaged in a infected elephants received anti-TB therapy. Two variety of species‐typical behaviors and having an treated elephants were eventually euthanized for up‐close experience was signifcantly correlated reasons unrelated to M. tuberculosis and found to to visitors having a positive emotional response. be culture-negative on necropsy, although one of The positive emotional response, combined them had PCR-positive lung lesions. One infected with visitor conservation predisposition had a animal had to be euthanized due to development signifcant positive relationship with reported of a drug-resistant strain of M. tuberculosis; this interest in getting involved in conservation. animal did not undergo postmortem examination Perceptions of animal welfare were signifcantly due to risk of staff exposure. The fourth animal related to a positive emotional experience driven is currently on treatment. Serial serological and by seeing animals engaged in a variety of active culture results of the other four herd mates have species‐typical behaviors as well as exhibit remained negative. © 2018 American Association perceptions and whether or not visitors thought it of Zoo Veterinarians. was important to have elephants in zoos. Exhibit perception was primarily correlated with exhibit T. Norkaew, J.L. Brown, P. Bansiddhi, C. size. The results provide factors that could help Somgird, C. Thitaram, V. Punyapornwithaya, to increase visitor interest in conservation as well K. Punturee, P. Vongchan, N. Somboon & J. as the potential impact of viewing elephants in an Khonmee accredited zoo. Facilities can use this information Body condition and adrenal glucocorticoid to help ensure their visitors have similar type activity affects metabolic marker and lipid experiences in order to inspire visitors’ interest profles in captive female elephants in Thailand in conservation as well as positive perceptions of PLoS ONE 13 (2018) e0204965 animal welfare. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Abstract. Studies in western zoo elephants have found relationships between body condition and M.A. Miller, M. Finnegan, T. Storms, M. Garner physiological function, and identifed mitigating & K.P. Lyashchenko management strategies to optimize health and Outbreak of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in welfare. A similar methodological approach a herd of captive Asian elephants (Elephas was used in this study, which evaluated a body maximus): Antemortem diagnosis, treatment, condition score (BCS; 1 = thinnest, 5 = fattest)

47 every other month and fecal glucocorticoid Hofreiter, H. Poinar & D. Reich metabolite (FGM) concentrations twice monthly A comprehensive genomic history of extinct in 33 tourist camp elephants in Thailand for a and living elephants 1-year period to assess seasonal variations, and PNAS 115 (2018) E2566-E2574 determine how lipid profles [total cholesterol Abstract. Elephantids are the world’s most iconic (TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL), high megafaunal family, yet there is no comprehensive density lipoproteins (HDL), triglycerides (TG)] genomic assessment of their relation- ships. We and metabolic parameters [insulin, glucose, report a total of 14 genomes, including 2 from fructosamine, glucose to insulin ratio (G:I)] the American mastodon, which is an extinct related to measures of body condition and elephantid relative, and 12 spanning all three adrenal function. The most prevalent BCS extant and three extinct elephantid species was 3–3.5 (60.6%), with 27.3% at BCS = 4 including an ∼120,000-y-old straight-tusked (overweight) and 12.1% at BCS = 4.5–5 (very elephant, a Columbian mammoth, and woolly overweight); no elephants had a BCS <2. mammoths. Earlier genetic studies modeled BCSs were higher in rainy and winter seasons elephantid evolution via simple bifurcating trees, compared to summer, with FGM, TG, HDL, but here we show that interspecies hybridization LDL, and insulin also higher in the rainy and/ has been a recurrent feature of elephantid or winter seasons (p<0.05). By contrast, TC and evolution. We found that the genetic makeup of glucose were lowest in the rainy season. FGM the straight-tusked elephant, previously placed measures were negatively associated with two as a sister group to African forest elephants environmental factors: temperature and rainfall, based on lower coverage data, in fact comprises but not humidity. Positive correlations were three major components. Most of the straight- found between BCS and TC, LDL, and HDL, tusked elephant’s ancestry derives from a lineage and between FGM and TC, HDL, glucose, and related to the ancestor of African elephants insulin (p<0.05), whereas BCS and FGM were while its remaining ancestry consists of a large both negatively associated with the G:I (p<0.05). contribution from a lineage related to forest However, there was no relationship between elephants and another related to mammoths. BCS and FGM among the camp elephants. Using Columbian and woolly mammoths also showed BCS and FGM measures as outcome variables evidence of interbreeding, likely following a in separate regression models, this study found latitudinal cline across North America. While high BCS and elevated FGM concentrations hybridization events have shaped elephantid were associated with altered lipid profles and history in profound ways, isolation also appears metabolic status in elephants. Furthermore, more to have played an important role. Our data reveal work hours/day was associated with better body nearly complete isolation between the ancestors condition and health measures. Thus, being of the African forest and savanna elephants for overweight and exposed to factors that increase ∼500,000 y, providing compelling justifcation adrenal activity could adversely affect health for the conservation of forest and savanna status, requiring alterations in management for some individuals, whereas exercise appears to have a protective effect.

E. Palkopoulou, M. Lipson, S. Mallick, S. Nielsen, N. Rohland, S. Baleka, E. Karpinski, A.M. Ivancevic, T.-H. To, R.D. Kortschak, J.M. Raison, Z. Qu, T.-J. Chin, K.W. Alt, S. Claesson, L. Dalén, R.D.E. MacPhee, H. Meller, A.L. Roca, O.A. Ryder, D. Heiman, S. Young, M. Breen, C. Williams, B.L. Aken, M. Ruffer, E. Karlsson, J. Johnson, F. Di Palma, J. Alfoldi, D.L. Adelson, T. Mailund, K. Munch, K. Lindblad-Toh, M. Elephants in Minneriya National Park (Sri Lanka)

48 elephants as separate species. © 2018 The on samples from eight elephants in Nepal that Authors. died of suspected or confrmed tuberculosis (TB) between 2007 and 2013. Among them, all I.N. Pathirana, C. Rajapaksa, N. Kawate, A. elephants were reactive to DPP VetTB® Assay, Wimalarathne, L. Fonseka, P.N. Weerakoon, fve to Elephant TB STAT-PAK,® and two were M.A. Hannan, B. Alexander, A. Pushpakumara, reactive to MAPIA. Similarly, six elephants S. Ariyaratne & H. Tamada were positive on culture on samples collected Effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antemortem or postmortem. We observed antagonist degarelix on musth and serum antibody responses months to years before culture testosterone concentrations in Asian elephants confrmation of TB which shows that serological (Elephas maximus) tests can be highly useful for the early diagnosis Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 49 (2018) of TB in elephants. Validated point-of-care 779-783 serological tests are easily performed in the feld Abstract. Two male Asian elephants (bulls 1 and and hold promise for improved TB surveillance 2) in musth were subcutaneously injected with in other non-domestic species. © 2018 Reprinted a long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone by permission from Springer Nature. (GnRH) antagonist, degarelix acetate (240 μg/kg; total dose of 960 mg). Musth behavior (MB) and P. Paul, T. Hasan & M.M. Rahman temporal gland secretions (TGS) were monitored Medical management of bilateral corneal and serum testosterone concentrations were opacity in an Asian elephant (Elephas determined. In bull 1, MB and TGS ceased on day maximus): A case report 1 and reappeared 5.5 mo after the treatment (day Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal 0). During the subsequent musth cycle, MB and Research 5 (2018) 98-100 TGS ceased on day 1 and did not appear for 4 mo. Abstract. This study was aimed at studying In bull 2, MB and TGS ceased at day 7 after the effcacy of medical management of corneal treatment. Musth behavior and TGS recurred on opacity in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Day 11 and continued for 1 wk, then disappeared A 42 years old male Asian elephant was brought for 8 mo. Serum testosterone concentrations to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital (TVH) at decreased (P < 0.05) in all occasions from day Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences 0 (29.8 ± 15.8 ng/ml; mean ± SEM) to day 1 University (CVASU) with a history of chronic (2.2 ± 1.1 ng/ml), suggesting a sudden drop lacrimation and impaired vision. On clinical in circulating testosterone in musth elephants examination, the animal was found apparently after the GnRH-antagonist treatment. © 2018 healthy. Opthalmological examination tentatively American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. revealed the condition as corneal opacity. The left eye was much more affected as compared to the S. Paudel, S.K. Mikota, J. Thapa, K.P. Lyash- right one. Medical management was instituted chenko, K.P. Gairhe, I.P. Dhakal, N. Subedi, B. with topical administration of ciprofoxacin, Maharjan, S. Subedi, G.E. Kaufman & T. Tsubota dexamethasone, subconjunctival prednisolone Serodiagnosis of elephant tuberculosis: A and dexamethasone along with intramuscular useful tool for early identifcation of infected ketoprofen (at 1 mg/kg bwt) and vitamin A elephants at the captive-wild interface (at 5000 IU/kg bwt). The “mahout” (elephant European Journal of Wildlife Research 64 (2018) caretaker) of the elephant was kept in close e70 contact over cell phone to follow up the progress Abstract. Tuberculosis (TB) is an emerging of the condition. Clinical examination after 19 disease in elephants primarily caused by days revealed complete recovery of the cornel Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) and in some opacity. There was no sign of lacrimation and the occasions by M. bovis. We performed culture and animal regained its normal vision. The treatment three serological tests—the Elephant TB STAT- protocol successfully eliminated the discomfort PAK,® DPP VetTB® Assay, and MAPIA (multi- along with corneal opacity and lacrimation in an antigen print immunoassay)—prospectively Asian elephant.

49 E.J. Polla, C.C. Grueter & C.L. Smith Abstract. Wildlife poisoning is an important Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) dis- conservation threat for endangered species in criminate between familiar and unfamiliar India. There are no publications in the scientifc human visual and olfactory cues literature that identify the specifc poisons or Animal Behavior and Cognition 5 (2018) 279- chemicals involved in wildlife poisoning cases 291 from the state of Kerala. In this report, all cases Abstract. Social animals use individual identity of wildlife mortality recorded between 2011 cues to form and maintain social relationships and 2013 at the offce of the Assistant Forest with conspecifcs. This ability to discriminate Veterinary Offcer, Periyar Tiger Reserve in between individuals extends to heterospecifcs Kerala were reviewed and cases where poisoning in some social mammals. The aim of this study was considered as a differential diagnosis were was to determine if Asian elephants (Elephas identifed. Specifc poisons or chemicals were maximus) could differentiate between familiar identifed in three cases, while in a fourth, and unfamiliar people using visual, auditory, poisoning was determined to have occurred based and olfactory cues independently. Two female on physical traces of the poison in gut contents. Asian elephants at the Perth Zoo were tested The poisons identifed include carbofuran (a with stimuli generated from six humans. Video carbamate pesticide) in a bonnet macaque playbacks, auditory playbacks and pieces of (Macaca radiata), warfarin (a rodenticide) in a worn shirts were used to present familiar and mortality event involving four wild boars (Sus unfamiliar human stimuli to the elephants using scrofa), endosulfan (an organochlorine pesticide) a simultaneous two-choice task. Trunk reach toxicity in a gaur (Bos gaurus) and imidacloprid duration and trunk reach frequency were used as (a neonicotinoid pesticide) toxicity in a wild measures of the elephants’ interest in the stimuli. adult Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). This The elephants’ trunk reach durations revealed communication thus reports for the frst time on a signifcant difference between familiar and the specifc chemical compounds identifed in unfamiliar human stimuli using visual cues alone, wildlife poisoning cases from Kerala state and with signifcantly more trunk reaching toward argues for greater regulation of the sale and use familiar human stimuli. No signifcant difference of such toxic compounds in India. © 2018 The in trunk reach duration was seen between familiar Author. and unfamiliar human stimuli for auditory or olfactory cues. Trunk reach frequency revealed C. Schiffmann, M. Clauss, P. Fernando, J. a signifcant difference between familiar and Pastorini, P. Wendler, N. Ertl, S. Hoby & J.-M. unfamiliar human stimuli for visual and olfactory Hatt stimuli, with a greater frequency of trunk reaching Body condition scores of European zoo towards familiar stimuli for both modes. No elephants (Elephas maximus and Loxodonta signifcant difference in trunk reach frequency africana): Status quo and infuencing factors was seen between familiar and unfamiliar human Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research 6 (2018) stimuli for auditory cues. This is the frst study to 91-103 use video playbacks with any species of elephant Abstract. Obesity is a common problem in and demonstrates a potential new method for captive elephants. Therefore, physical state cognitive testing in this species. The results monitoring presents a critical aspect in preventive suggest that familiar humans may be important elephant healthcare. Some institutions lack the to zoo-housed Asian elephants. © Attribution 3.0 equipment to weigh elephants regularly, so body Unported (CC BY 3.0). condition scoring (BCS) is a valuable alternative tool. As yet, the BCS of both elephant species Sreejith Radhakrishnan has not been assessed comprehensively for the A note on wildlife poisoning cases from Kerala, European captive population. Using a previously South India validated visual BCS protocol, we assessed 192 European Journal of Wildlife Research 64 (2018) African (Loxodonta africana) and 326 Asian e58 elephants (Elephas maximus) living in European

50 zoos (97% of the living European elephant to each dung type. The pigtailed macaque dung population). The majority of elephants scored in community was signifcantly different from that the upper categories with 56% of adults assessed of all other baits (p< 0.001), whereas overlap in the range 7–10 out of 10. Adult Asian elephants existed among the other bait treatments; 83.3% had signifcantly lower BCS (males: mean 6.2 of the pitfalls were re-classifed to the correct bait ± 1.0, median 6.0, range 4–8; females: mean type. Dung of the omnivorous macaques attracted 6.6 ± 1.3, median 6.0, range 3–9) than African a beetle community that was dramatically elephants (males: mean 6.7 ± 0.7, median 6.0, distinct from those of the other bait treatments range 6–8; females: mean 6.9 ± 1.2, median 6.0, and with the greatest abundance and richness of range 1–9). Comparison with samples of free- scarab species, whereas dung of the herbivorous ranging populations (163 Asian elephants and 121 species was far less attractive. This corroborates African elephants) revealed signifcantly lower New World studies that have shown dung from scores in free-ranging elephants independent the diet of omnivorous mammals attracts greater of species, age and sex category. Compared numbers and diversity of dung beetles. As such, to previous reports from captive populations, conservation of omnivorous large animals in the European zoo elephant population is tropical forest systems is necessary for the nevertheless less obese. In adult Asian elephant conservation of rich dung beetle communities. females, BCS was signifcantly correlated to © 2018 National University of Singapore. their breeding status with lower scores in current Reproduced with permission from Lee Kong breeders; however, breeding status was also Chian Natural History Museum. correlated to group size, enclosure size, and a diet with less vegetables. Further attention to zoo C.D. Sullivan, E.M. Slade, M. Bai, K. Shi & P. elephant weight management is recommended Riordan with regular longitudinal monitoring by body Evidence of forest restoration success and condition scoring. © 2018 The Authors. the conservation value of community-owned forests in Southwest China using dung beetles R.W. Sites, P. Lago & G.A. Gale as indicators Associations of scarab beetles (Insecta: PLoS ONE 13 (2018) e0204764 Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) with dung of four Abstract. Protection of the world’s remaining species of mammals in Khao Yai National forests and biodiversity is a matter of global Park, Thailand concern. Yunnan, China is home to China’s only Raffes Bulletin of Zoology 66 (2018) 87-95 mainland tropical rainforests, and 20% of China’s Abstract. To determine if dung from various total biodiversity. Despite restoration measures species of native mammals are attractive to and establishment of new protected areas, this species of Scarabaeidae differentially in a region is still experiencing biodiversity loss due seasonal evergreen forest in Thailand, we used to inadequate management and monitoring. We pitfall traps baited with fresh dung of four species evaluate restoration success of China’s tropical (barking deer, sambar deer, Asian elephant, pig- forests in Xishuangbanna National Nature tailed macaque) and an unbaited control. The Reserve (XSBN-NNR), Yunnan, China using pitfalls were deployed in Khao Yai National Park dung beetles as an indicator taxon. We sampled for 24 hours in March 2010. All totaled, 9 genera across a land-use gradient of human alteration: and 23 species of scarab beetles were collected. protected forest, restored forest, community Of these, Loboparius schereri (Petrovitz) owned forest, and rubber plantation. We collected represents a new country record with a known 3,748 dung beetles from 21 species over a 3 range to the northwest of Thailand. Overall month period. Multivariate analyses revealed scarab abundance and richness each differed unique assemblages in each land-use category, signifcantly (p< 0.001) among bait types. From but with restored forest most similar to protected a multivariate perspective, discriminant function areas, suggesting restoration success in this analysis computed four axes to distinguish the region. Community forests were more diverse community of scarab beetles that was attracted than plantations, suggesting that community

51 forests may be a valuable and practical phant dung coffee using static headspace conservation tool in this region. Most species gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and were generalists, although some had dietary and chemometrics habitat preferences. Furthermore, dietary niche Molecules 23 (2018) e1910 breadths were, on average, higher in disturbed Abstract. Elephant dung coffee (Black Ivory areas, suggesting that disturbance may result Coffee) is a unique Thai coffee produced in dietary changes. We show that restoration of from Arabica coffee cherries consumed by tropical forests appears to be successful for a key Asian elephants and collected from their ecological and biological indicator group- dung feces. In this work, elephant dung coffee and beetles. Furthermore, community-owned forests controls were analyzed using static headspace appear to be valuable and practical method of gas chromatography hyphenated with mass maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity spectrometry (SHS GC-MS), and chemometric in the region. Future management in this region approaches were applied for multivariate analysis would likely beneft from encouragement to and the selection of marker compounds that maintain com- munity-owned forests, economic are characteristic of the coffee. Seventy-eight incentives for restoring farmland to forest, and volatile compounds belonging to 13 chemical increased environmental monitoring across the classes were tentatively identifed, including six land-use gradient. © 2018 The Authors. alcohols, fve aldehydes, one carboxylic acid, three esters, 17 furans, one furanone, 13 ketones, N.R. Talukdar, B. Singh & P. Choudhury two oxazoles, four phenolic compounds, 14 Conservation status of some endangered pyrazines, one pyridine, eight pyrroles and three mammals in Barak Valley, Northeast India sulfur-containing compounds. Moreover, four Journal of Asia-Pacifc Biodiversity 11 (2018) potential discriminant markers of elephant dung 167-172 coffee, including 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methyl- Abstract. From the ancient time, the Northeast 1-butanol, 2-furfurylfuran and 3-penten-2-one part of India is rich in biodiversity because of its were established. The proposed method may be diverse topographic, climatic features. Different useful for elephant dung coffee authentication varieties of mammalian, avian, and herpetofauna and quality control. are endemic to this region. Unfortunately, life of this diverse fora and fauna is in jeopardy due A.A.E. van der Geer, G.A. Lyras, P. Mitteroecker to serious anthropogenic pressure. Once a large & R.D.E. MacPhee number of globally important species sustained From Jumbo to Dumbo: Cranial shape in the Barak Valley. However, with the increasing changes in elephants and hippos during population and subsequent demand on natural phyletic dwarfng resources and developing activities, many of the Evolutionary Biology 45 (2018) 303-317 species are no more found in the valley. If the Abstract. Members of the mammalian families conservation action is not initiated, the remaining Elephantidae and Hippopotamidae (extant and species will also vanish with time. This article extinct elephants and hippos) include extinct highlights the distribution and conservation dwarf species that display up to 98% decrease problems of four endangered species in the in body size compared to probable ancestral Barak Valley of Assam, India and recommended sources. In addition to differences in body mass, conservation tactics. © 2018 National Science skulls of these species consistently display Museum of Korea (NSMK) and Korea National distinctive morphological changes, including Arboretum (KNA), Publishing Services by major reduction of pneumatised areas in dwarf Elsevier. elephants and shortened muzzles in dwarf hippos. Here we build on previous studies of island dwarf P. Thammarat, C. Kulsing, K. Wongravee, N. species by conducting a geometric morphometric Leepipatpiboon & T. Nhujak analysis of skull morphology and allometry Identifcation of volatile compounds and in target taxa, living and extinct, and elaborate selection of discriminant markers for ele- on the relation between skull size and body

52 size. Our analysis indicates that skull size and not suffcient) for the evolution of large body body size within terrestrial placental mammals sizes in proboscideans. © 2018 The Authors. scale almost isometrically (PGLS major axis slope 0.906). Furthermore, skull shape in dwarf S. Vijayakrishnan, M.A. Kumar, G. Umapathy, species differed from both their ancestors and Vinod Kumar & A. Sinha the juveniles of extant species. In insular dwarf Physiological stress responses in wild Asian hippos, the skull was subject to considerable elephants Elephas maximus in a human- anatomical reorganisation in response to distinct dominated landscape in the Western Ghats, selection pressures affecting early ontogeny (the southern India “island syndrome”). By contrast, skull shape in General and Comparative Endocrinology 266 adult insular dwarf elephants can be explained (2018) 150-156 well by allometric effects; selection on size may Abstract. Increasing anthropogenic pressures thus have been the main driver of skull shape on forests, especially in the tropical regions in dwarf elephants. We suggest that a tightly of the world, have restricted several large constrained growth trajectory, without major mammalian species such as the Asian elephant anatomical reorganization of the skull, allowed to fragmented habitats within human-dominated for fexible adaptations to changing environments landscapes. In this study, we assessed the effects and was one of the factors underlying the of an anthropogenic landscape and its associated evolutionary success of insular dwarf elephants. confict with humans on the physiological stress © 2018 Reprinted by permission from Springer responses displayed by Asian elephants in the Nature. Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats mountains in south India. We have quantifed faecal J.M. Vazquez, M. Sulak, S. Chigurupati & V.J. glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations Lynch in focal individual elephants within and A zombie LIF gene in elephants is upregulated across herds, inhabiting both anthropogenic by TP53 to induce apoptosis in response to and natural habitats, and evaluated their DNA damage physiological responses to different socio- Cell Reports 24 (2018) 1765-1776 ecological situations between November 2013 Abstract. Large-bodied organisms have more and April 2014. Physiological stress responses cells that can potentially turn cancerous than varied signifcantly among the tested elephant small-bodied organisms, imposing an increased age- and sex categories but not across different risk of developing cancer. This expectation types of social organisation. Adults generally predicts a positive correlation between body size showed higher FGM concentrations, even in and cancer risk; however, there is no correlation the absence of stressors, than did any other age between body size and cancer risk across species category. Males also appeared to have higher (‘‘Peto’s paradox’’). Here, we show that elephants stress responses than did females. Although and their extinct relatives (proboscideans) may there was no signifcant variation in mean stress have resolved Peto’s paradox in part through levels between elephants on the plateau in the refunctionalizing a leukemia inhibitory factor absence of human interactions and those in pseudogene (LIF6) with pro-apoptotic functions. adjacent, relatively undisturbed forest habitats, LIF6 is transcriptionally upregulated by TP53 FGM concentrations increased signifcantly for in response to DNA damage and translocates adult and subadult individuals as well as for to the mitochondria where it induces apoptosis. calves following drives, during which elephants Phylogenetic analyses of living and extinct were driven off aggressively by people. Our proboscidean LIF6 genes indicates that its study emphasises the general importance of TP53 response element evolved coincident understanding individual variation in physiology with the evolution of large body sizes in the and behaviour within a population of a seriously proboscidean stem lineage. These results suggest threatened mammalian species, the Asian that refunctionalizing of a proapoptotic LIF elephant, and specifcally highlights the need for pseudogene may have been permissive (although long-term monitoring of the stress physiology and

53 behavioural responses of individual elephants required to effciently monitor and improve across both human-dominated and natural the welfare of elephants in captivity. © 2018 landscapes. Such studies would not only provide Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. comprehensive insights into the adaptive biology of elephants in changing ecological regimes Z. Yang, Y. Chen, J. Li, L. Wang, Y. Piao, Z. Song but also aid in the development of effective & K. Shi management and conservation strategies for Individual identifcation and population endangered populations of the species. © 2018 size assessment for Asian elephant based on Elsevier Inc. camera-trapping techniques Acta Theriologica Sinica 38 (2018) 18-27 E. Williams, C.L. Chadwick, L. Yon & L. Asher Abstract. We studied and assessed the minimum A review of current indicators of welfare in population number of Asian elephants (Elephas captive elephants (Loxodonta africana and maximus) in Shangyong Sub-Reserve (SYSR), Elephas maximus) Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve in Animal Welfare 27 (2018) 235-249 Yunnan Province, China using camera-traps. Abstract. Concerns over elephant welfare in We set up 27 camera-traps in SYSR from UK zoos have implications for their future in January to April 2016, which ran for a total of captivity. To monitor improvements made to 621 camera-trap days and obtained 1944 sample elephant welfare in UK zoos, non-invasive, valid photographs. Within this period individual and reliable indicators of welfare are needed. camera units were active for between 9–52 full Using a rapid review strategy and critical days (mean = 24). We identifed a minimum appraisal tool, we aimed to appraise evidence number of 69 unique individual elephants from from peer-reviewed literature on potential welfare photographs (38 adults, 16 sub-adults, 15 calves) indicators for captive elephants. Scopus, Web of in SYSR. We detected 7 Asian elephants that Knowledge and Ovid were searched in January moved actively across the China-Laos border. 2014 using terms relevant to captive elephants The advantages and disadvantages of our and welfare assessment. Inclusion and exclusion camera-trap methodology compared with those criteria were applied and remaining articles were of other techniques for individual identifcation critically appraised against a specially designed is discussed, and we explore the potential for welfare indicator appraisal tool. Thirty-seven robust methods for fast, real-time and effective unique indicators of welfare were extracted from population evaluation in the future. This study 30 peer-reviewed papers which met the inclusion strengthened our understanding of Asian elephant criteria. Behavioural measures of welfare (n = 21) status in SYSR and provides scientifc evidence were more common than either physical (n = 11) to support conservation planning and actions. or physiological (n = 5) measures. Stereotypies [MAIN TEXT IN CHINESE] were the most frequently used behavioural measure, glucocorticoids were the most S. Yoshida, S. Suga, S. Ishikawa, Y. Mukai, K. frequently used physiological measure and body Tsuyuguchi, Y. Inoue, T. Yamamoto, & T. Wada condition scores were the most frequently used Mycobacterium caprae infection in captive physical measure. There was most support for the Borneo elephant, Japan following indicators of improved welfare state: Emerging Infectious Diseases 24 (2018) 1937- reduced stereotypies, reduced glucocorticoids 1940 and improved body condition scores. Additional Abstract. In 2016, disseminated tuberculosis measures which require further validation but caused by Mycobacterium caprae was diagnosed had strong associations with the most supported in a captive Borneo elephant in Japan. The measures, and thus have potential use in welfare bacterium was initially identifed from clinical assessment, were: increased lying rest and isolates. An isolate collected during a relapse positive social interactions. Further validation showed isoniazid monoresistance and a codon of the described measures is needed, but this 315 katG mutation. information forms a crucial part of the knowledge

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