Data from: Elephant pathway use in a human-dominated landscape

Habitat loss and fragmentation are one of the biggest threats facing
wildlife today. Understanding the role of wildlife pathways in connecting
resource areas is key to maintain landscape connectivity, reduce the
impacts of habitat loss and help address human-wildlife conflict. In this
study, we used sign surveys and camera trapping to understand the fine
scale movement of elephants moving between a protected area and
agricultural zone in the Masai Mara, Kenya. We used Generalised Linear
Models to determine factors driving high frequency of pathway use by
elephants. Our results showed strong seasonal trends in pathway use, with
peaks coinciding with the dry season. However, no correlations between
rainfall and pathway use were found. Temporal patterns of pathway use
indicate that elephants use risk avoidance strategies by moving between
the two areas at times of low human disturbance. Spatial analysis revealed
that the most frequently used pathways were closer to farms, saltlicks and
forest and those that had a higher percentage of forest cover. Our models
also showed a positive relationship between pathway use and the number of
elephant crop raiding incidents, highlighting that pathways can play a
role in human-elephant conflict. As habitat loss continues, pathways may
become more important for linking resources. However, they are also likely
to facilitate movement into farmland. The results from this study provide
an opportunity for planned management activities to ensure connectivity
and to mitigated conflict.