Stable isotopes in elephant hair document migration patterns and diet changes.
We use chronologies of stable isotopes measured from elephant (Loxodonta africana) hair to determine migration patterns and seasonal diet changes in elephants in and near Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. Stable carbon isotopes record diet changes, principally enabling differentiation between browse and tropical grasses, which use the C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways, respectively; stable nitrogen isotopes record regional patterns related to aridity, offering insight into localized ranging behavior. Isotopically identified range shifts were corroborated by global positioning system radio tracking data of the studied individuals. Comparison of the stable isotope record in the hair of one migrant individual with that of a resident population shows important differences in feeding and ranging behavior over time. Our analysis indicates that differences are the result of excursions into mesic environments coupled with intermittent crop raiding by the migrant individual. Variation in diet, quantified by using stable isotopes, can offer insight into diet-related wildlife behavior.
Cerling
Thure E
TE
Department of Geology and Geophysics, 135 South 1460 East, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA. tcerling@earth.utah.edu
Wittemyer
George
G
Rasmussen
Henrik B
HB
Vollrath
Fritz
F
Cerling
Claire E
CE
Robinson
Todd J
TJ
Douglas-Hamilton
Iain
I
D025041:Animal Migration; D000818:Animals; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D004032:Diet; D004606:Elephants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D012621:Seasons; D013997:Time Factors
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes