Abstract:
Most of southern Africa’s elephants inhabit environments where environmental temperatures exceed body temperature,
but we do not know how elephants respond to such environments. We evaluated the relationships between apparent
thermoregulatory behaviour and environmental, skin and core temperatures for tame savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana)
that were free-ranging in the hot parts of the day, in their natural environment. Environmental temperature dictated
elephant behaviour within a day, with potential consequences for fine-scale habitat selection, space use and foraging. At
black globe temperatures of ~30°C, elephants adjusted their behaviour to reduce environmental heat load and increase
heat dissipation (e.g. shade use, wetting behaviour). Resting, walking and feeding were also influenced by environmental
temperature. By relying on behavioural and autonomic adjustments, the elephants maintained homeothermy, even at
environmental temperatures exceeding 40°C. Elephants clearly have the capacity to deal with extreme heat, at least in
environments with adequate resources of forage, water and shade. Future conservation actions should provide for the
thermoregulatory, resource and spatial needs of elephants.
