Implications for Conservation

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 122 views

Parent Behavior of Elephant Children (Elephas Maximus Sumatranus) in the Conservation Response Unit (CRU) area of Tangkahan, Langkat, North Sumatra

Introduction

The Sumatran elephant (Elephas Maximus Sumatra) is a unique species that exhibits fascinating behavior, particularly in the way parents care for and interact with their children. In the Conservation Response Unit (CRU) area of Tangkahan, Langkat, North Sumatra, this study focuses on the parent behavior of the parent of elephants towards their children. Through a careful observation of two female elephants named Agustin and Olive, as well as two elephant children named Cristhoper and Europe, which are around 2.5 years old, researchers aim to gain a deeper understanding of the interaction between the parent and elephant children.

Methodology

The research method used in this study is Focal Animal Sampling combined with continuous sampling. Observation was carried out for 300 hours without disturbing the daily activities of both the parent and elephant children. A total of 20,531 sample points were taken, resulting in a total observation duration of 11,593.46 minutes. This extensive observation period allowed researchers to gather valuable data on the behavior of the parent and elephant children.

Observations and Analysis

The observations show that the most visible behavior is approaching behavior (MD) with a percentage of 33.27% and the behavior of following (MI) with a percentage of 32.22%. Meanwhile, Kissing Behavior (MC) recorded only 2% of the total observed behavior frequency. Further analysis of this behavior reveals that the behavior approaching and following is the main indicator of the emotional relationship and protection shown by the parent to the child.

Approaching Behavior (MD)

Approaching behavior (MD) often describes the parent effort to maintain physical closeness with her elephant children, which is essential to provide a sense of security and ensure that elephant children are not separate from the group. This behavior is crucial in the early stages of an elephant child's life, as it helps them develop a sense of trust and dependence on their parent.

Following Behavior (MI)

The behavior of following (MI) shows that elephant children learn to adapt and understand their environment by observing and following the parent's action. This behavior is essential in the development of an elephant child's cognitive abilities, as they learn to navigate their surroundings and interact with their environment.

Kissing Behavior (MC)

Kissing behavior (MC), although the frequency is low, still has significant meaning in the context of strengthening social bonds between the parent and child. Kisses in this context can be considered as a form of affection and attention, which contributes to the development of healthy social relations.

Conclusion

This study is expected to provide basic data that is useful for the management of Sumatran elephant conservation in the area in the Tangkahan CRU area. By understanding parental behavior, conservation managers can design a better strategy in maintaining and preserving this species, especially in the midst of habitat challenges and threats to the survival of the Sumatran elephant. This research also opens up space for further research to uncover various aspects of other elephant behavior that can provide deeper insights about this endangered species.

Implications for Conservation

A deeper understanding of the care of elephants is not only important for their conservation but also for community education and awareness of the importance of protection of wildlife in Indonesia. By promoting awareness and education about the behavior of elephants, we can work towards creating a more harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife, ultimately contributing to the conservation of this majestic species.

Recommendations for Future Research

This study highlights the importance of further research into the behavior of elephants, particularly in the context of conservation. Future research should focus on exploring various aspects of elephant behavior, including their social structures, communication patterns, and habitat requirements. By gaining a deeper understanding of these aspects, we can develop more effective conservation strategies that prioritize the well-being of both humans and wildlife.

Limitations of the Study

While this study provides valuable insights into the behavior of parent elephants, it is essential to acknowledge its limitations. The study was conducted in a specific location, and the results may not be generalizable to other areas. Additionally, the sample size was limited to two parent elephants and two elephant children, which may not be representative of the larger population.

Future Directions

Future research should aim to expand the scope of this study by exploring the behavior of elephants in different contexts and locations. This can be achieved through collaborative research efforts between conservation organizations, universities, and local communities. By working together, we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of elephant behavior and contribute to the conservation of this iconic species.
Q&A: Parent Behavior of Elephant Children (Elephas Maximus Sumatranus) in the Conservation Response Unit (CRU) area of Tangkahan, Langkat, North Sumatra

Q: What is the significance of this study on parent behavior of elephant children?

A: This study provides valuable insights into the behavior of parent elephants, which is essential for the conservation of the Sumatran elephant species. By understanding the behavior of parent elephants, conservation managers can design more effective strategies to maintain and preserve this species.

Q: What are the most common behaviors observed in parent elephants?

A: The most common behaviors observed in parent elephants are approaching behavior (MD) and following behavior (MI). These behaviors are essential for the development of an elephant child's cognitive abilities and social relationships.

Q: What is the importance of approaching behavior (MD) in parent elephants?

A: Approaching behavior (MD) is crucial in the early stages of an elephant child's life, as it helps them develop a sense of trust and dependence on their parent. This behavior is essential for the child's physical and emotional development.

Q: How does following behavior (MI) contribute to the development of an elephant child?

A: Following behavior (MI) shows that elephant children learn to adapt and understand their environment by observing and following the parent's action. This behavior is essential in the development of an elephant child's cognitive abilities, as they learn to navigate their surroundings and interact with their environment.

Q: What is the significance of kissing behavior (MC) in parent elephants?

A: Kissing behavior (MC) is a form of affection and attention that contributes to the development of healthy social relations between the parent and child. Although the frequency is low, this behavior is essential for the child's emotional development and social bonding.

Q: How can this study contribute to the conservation of the Sumatran elephant species?

A: This study provides basic data that is useful for the management of Sumatran elephant conservation in the area in the Tangkahan CRU area. By understanding parental behavior, conservation managers can design a better strategy in maintaining and preserving this species, especially in the midst of habitat challenges and threats to the survival of the Sumatran elephant.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study was conducted in a specific location, and the results may not be generalizable to other areas. Additionally, the sample size was limited to two parent elephants and two elephant children, which may not be representative of the larger population.

Q: What are the future directions for this research?

A: Future research should aim to expand the scope of this study by exploring the behavior of elephants in different contexts and locations. This can be achieved through collaborative research efforts between conservation organizations, universities, and local communities. By working together, we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of elephant behavior and contribute to the conservation of this iconic species.

Q: How can this study contribute to community education and awareness of the importance of protection of wildlife in Indonesia?

A: By promoting awareness and education about the behavior of elephants, we can work towards creating a more harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife, ultimately contributing to the conservation of this majestic species. This study highlights the importance of community education and awareness in the conservation of the Sumatran elephant species.