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abstract

The structure of the cushions in the feet of African elephants (Loxodonta africana)

2006-11-23 - Vienna, Austria. Weissengruber GE, Egger GF, Hutchinson JR, Groenewald HB, Elsasser L, Famini D, Forstenpointner G.Department of Pathobiology, Veterinary University of Vienna

The uniquely designed limbs of the African elephant, Loxodonta africana, support the weight of the largest terrestrial animal. The micromorphology of elephant feet cushions resembles that of digital cushions in cattle or of the foot pads in humans but not that of digital cushions in horses. Besides their important mechanical properties, foot cushions in elephants seem to be very sensitive structures.


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abstract

Results of vaccination of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) with monovalent inactivated rabies vaccine.

2006-11-04 - Gainesville, United States. Isaza R, Davis RD, Moore SM, Briggs DJ. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida

Objective-To evaluate the humoral immune response of Asian elephants to a primary IM vaccination with either 1 or 2 doses of a commercially available inactivated rabies virus vaccine and evaluate the anamnestic response to a 1-dose booster vaccination. Animals-16 captive Asian elephants. A 2-dose series of rabies virus vaccine should provide an adequate antibody response in elephants, and annual boosters should maintain the antibody response in this species.


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abstract

A proboscidean from the late Oligocene of Eritrea, a "missing link" between early Elephantiformes and Elephantimorpha, and biogeographic implications.

The teeth of the newly described Eritreum melakeghebrekristosi are a tip-off to its position as a missing link in the elephant family tree. Photo courtesy of the University of Michigan.

2006-11-03 - Asmara, Eritrea. Shoshani J, Walter RC, Abraha M, Berhe S, University of Asmara

We report on a late Oligocene proboscidean species from Eritrea, dated to 26.8 +/- 1.5 Mya. This "missing link" between early elephantiformes and Elephantimorpha is the oldest known nongomphothere proboscidean to probably display horizontal tooth displacement, typical of elephants. Together with the newly discovered late Oligocene gomphotheres from Chilga, Ethiopia, the Eritrean taxon points to the importance of East Africa as a major area for the knowledge of the early evolution of Elephantimor...


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abstract

mirror self-recognition (MSR) in an Asian elephant.

2006-10-30 - Atlanta, United States. Plotnik JM, de Waal FB, Reiss D., Emory University

We exposed three Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) to a large mirror to investigate their responses. Here, we report a successful MSR elephant study and report striking parallels in the progression of responses to mirrors among apes, dolphins, and elephants. These parallels suggest convergent cognitive evolution most likely related to complex sociality and cooperation.


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abstract

The locomotor kinematics of Asian and African elephants: changes with speed and size.

2006-10-29 - London, United Kingdom. Hutchinson JR, Schwerda D, Dale RH, Fischer MS, Kram R., The Royal Veterinary College

We analyzed the locomotor kinematics of over 2400 strides from 14 African and 48 Asian elephant individuals (body mass 116-4632 kg) freely moving over ground at a 17-fold range of speeds, from slow walking at 0.40 m s(-1) to the fastest reliably recorded speed for elephants, 6.8 m s(-1). These data reveal that African and Asian elephants have some subtle differences in how size-independent kinematic parameters change with speed.


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abstract

Endotheliotropic elephant herpesvirus, the first betaherpesvirus with a thymidine kinase gene.

2006-10-01 - Berlin, Germany. Ehlers B, Dural G, Marschall M, Schregel V, Goltz M, Hentschke J. . Robert Koch-Institut Berlin

Endotheliotropic elephant herpesvirus (elephantid herpesvirus 1; ElHV-1) is apathogenic for African elephants (Loxodonta africana), but causes fatal haemorrhagic disease in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). This is thought to occur through transmission from African elephants in places where both species are housed, such as zoological gardens. The virus has caused considerable losses in North American and European zoological gardens and thus severely impedes breeding of the endangered Asian elep...


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abstract

Elephant dung decomposition and coprophilous fungi in two habitats of semi-arid Botswana.

2006-09-23 - Maun, Botswana. Masunga GS, Department of Wildlife & National Parks, P.O. Box 11, Maun

In order to understand the impact of habitat changes on ecosystem processes caused by increased populations of elephants, elephant dung decomposition was studied in semi-arid Botswana. Dung decomposition rates were studied with and without the presence of arthropods, using pairs of exposed dung and dung enclosed in nylon-mesh bags, respectively.


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abstract

Ancient DNA forces reconsideration of evolutionary history of Mediterranean pygmy elephantids.

2006-09-22 - Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

The DNA sequence from the Cretan sample falls clearly within the mammoth clade. Thus, the name Mammuthus creticus rather than Elephas creticus, seems to be justified for this form. Our findings also suggest a need to re-evaluate the evolutionary history of the Sicilian/Maltese species, traditionally included in the genus Elephas.


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abstract

Absence of Mirror Self-Referential Behavior in Two Asian Elephants

In the absence or presence of mirrors, Winky often removes a taped turkey feather from Wanda’s forehead—but never from her own.

2006-09-19 - Detroit, United States. Moti Nissani, Donna Hoefler-Nissani. Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan

To date, one investigation failed to find mirror self-referential behavior in Asian elephants while another reported positive results, a contradiction which could, among other things, be ascribed to the poor visual acuity of elephants. To resolve this contradiction, the present study of mirror self-referential behavior in two captive Asian elephants bypasses the traditional mark test, relying instead on the elephants’ response to a far more visually conspicuous object. In this study, neither...


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abstract

Dystocia following prolonged retention of a dead fetus in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).

2006-09-15 - Chiang Mai, Thailand. Thitaram C, Pongsopawijit P, Thongtip N, Angkavanich T, Chansittivej S, Wongkalasin W, Somgird C, Suwankong N, Prachsilpchai W, Suchit K, Clausen B, Boonthong P, Nimtrakul K, Niponkit C, Siritepsongklod S, Roongsri R, Mahasavankul S. Chiang Mai University

A 32-year-old nulliparous female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) showed signs of parturition 8 months later than predicted from the breeding records. However, while serosanguineous fluid, necrotic tissue and pieces of amnion were expelled, second-stage labor did not progress. It is suggested that serum progestagens concentrations should be monitored regularly in mated elephant cows to verify the establishment of pregnancy and to better estimate the expected timing, and the onset of calving.


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