Behavioral ecology of large animals in the dry zone in Sri Lanka : From molecular ecology to conservation.

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This research aims to investigate behavioral ecology of the Asian elephant and the Indian peafowl living in the dry-zone in South-East Sri Lanka. For the Asian elephant, we focused on the mechanism of human-elephant conflict (HEC). For the Indian peafowl, we aim to clarify their mating system in the natural populations. During the study periods, we conducted our field work 10 times in total : in 2003, T Hasegawa & Campos in August, Takatsuki in September, T & M Hasegawa from December to January ; in 2004, Takatsuki in March, Takatsuki and Campos from May to June, Campos from July to August, Ransirini in October, T Hasegawa, Saito, Suetsugu from October to November, T Hasegawa in December ; Campos from December to January. The main results are obtained about HEC research in which we allocate local field assistants in five villages where elephant frequently raid crop fields. Data were accumulated monthly about elephant ecology damage caused by the elephants, human responses and so on. We also attached a GPS transmitter for one big male elephant that were ranging in research area in April 2005. In spite of long preparation, we could receive data by unknown reasons. DNA analyses from fecal samples were also tried both in field and in zoos in Japan. Although we successfully found some haplotypes among Asian elephants, it is still difficult to collect individually-identified dung samples in the field. On peafowl research, it took some time to find suitable site to observe because peafowl are too shy to be observed. Finally, we could find good location where we can observe their natural behavior over the pond. Compared with Japanese population, males' courtship territories disperse more widely in the natural population in Sri Lanka. Rate of male vocalization is also measured and analized.