Don’t fence me in – Claire Miller
The Ecological Society of America - September 2019 Andrew Forsyth (PIdwa Wilderness Reserve; Gravelotte, South Africa) is frustrated – and baffled. Two young bull elephants have spent another night breaking fences and gates, often in exactly the same places they trashed before. Forsyth wonders about the unusual behaviour “I don’t think we understand elephants enough” he admits. Elephants are highly intelligent, with complex social structures, huge ranges and high risk of conflict with humans. South Africa uses fencing to reduce conflict and encroachment. On many smaller reserves outside the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTCA), immuno-contraception has become necessary to control their numbers. The question is whether these interventions affect psychology and behaviour. Fences stop young adults dispersing, and immuno-contraception leads...