The Ghost Fence Effect
Tracking the psychological barrier and gradual adaptation of elephants E3 and E4 following the removal of physical boundaries.
Spatial Adaptation Overview
Behavioral Class Definitions
Sharp directional changes (>90°) near boundary indicating hesitation/refusal to cross.
Direct, sustained trajectory bridging the former fence line into novel territory.
Area-restricted search (low speed, high turning angle and ~60 meters per 30 minutes) for resource consumption.
High-speed, directional travel between patches with low turning angles and ~120 meters per 30 minutes.
Stationary or very slow activity (~8 meters per 30 minutes), representing resting or standing.
Prolonged stationary periods with minimal displacement (~1.2 meters per 30 minutes).
Fence Interaction Profile
Bukela (E3)
Buffer Behaviors
Half Moon (E4)
Buffer BehaviorsE4 Interaction Spotlight
Detailed 48-hour sequence showing E4 encountering the 'Ghost Fence' in the interim period.
Insights from the Interim Phase
During the Interim Period (Dec 9, 2023 - Feb 9, 2024), we observe a fascinating phenomenon: the physical fence has been removed, but the elephants' spatial memory continues to dictate their movement patterns.
Elephant E4 (Half Moon) exhibited a unique "Ghost Fence" interaction. Even with the path ostensibly open, her trajectory shows repeated "bounces" near the old boundary before she finally crossed into the novel territory in the Post Phase.
Use the "Show Crossings Only" toggle to identify exactly when and where these elephants breached the former boundary into the newly accessible zones.