Elephant Habituation to Drones as a Behavioural Observation Tool

Journal

Scientific Reports

Author(s)

Carey-Douglas, A., Jasperse-Sjolander, L., Kokiro, P., Galimogle, G., Lolchuragi, D., Scrase, J., Pope F., Vollrath, F., D’Ammando, G

Date Published s41598-025-25762-2

 

 


Summary


 

This study examines African savannah elephants’ (Loxodonta africana) responses to drones. Across 35 trials, elephants showed initial disturbance but habituated both short- and long-term, with minor activity changes persisting. Findings suggest drones can monitor elephant behaviour effectively when flown carefully and baseline activity patterns are recorded.