Fences down, less stress: new research on elephant well-being
We are incredibly proud to share Brooke Friswold’s latest scientific publication for het PhD! Her research at the Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa demonstrates that removing internal fences within game reserves makes a world of difference. Breaking down these barriers directly and measurably improves both the well-being and natural behavior of wild African elephants.
Key Findings: Before vs. After Fence Removal
The findings of the study are highly encouraging: after the fences were removed, the elephants’ physiological stress levels dropped significantly. Additionally, the animals gained much more freedom to roam and socially interact, while their browsing habits became more evenly distributed across the landscape. This proves that larger, connected habitats are not a luxury, but an absolute necessity for the mental and physical health of elephants, as well as the resilience of the entire ecosystem.
Want to know more?
Curious about all the details, the research methods, and the data behind this success story? Read the full news article on our website here.
If you want to read the full peer-reviewed and published article, you can find that here.
