Local rainfall is more likely than distant thunderstorms to affect movement behaviour in Northern Kenyan elephants

This study examined how elephants in Northern Kenya adjust their movements in response to rainfall and lightning

Journal

PLoS ONE

Author(s)

Mulder, T., Mortimer B., Ferwerda, J., Vollrath, F.

Date Published journal.pone.0307520

Summary

This study examined how elephants in Northern Kenya adjust their movements in response to rainfall and lightning. While some movement shifts preceded wet periods, local rainfall was a stronger trigger. Elephants moved slower during the day in wet periods and faster in dry periods, highlighting climate-driven behavioral adaptations.

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