Behavioral Habitat Maps & Movement Analysis

Here we explore behavioral trajectories, habitat selection patterns, and movement dynamics of 6 elephants across a natural BACI (Before-After Control-Impact) study design using advanced HMM (Hidden Markov Models) and RSF (Resource Selection Function) models.

6
Elephants Tracked
3
Study Periods
5
Behavioral Classes
10K+
GPS Points
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Study Overview

BACI Design

Before-After-Control-Impact study examining elephant behavior across fence removal periods: Pre, Interim, and Post phases.

HMM Decoding

Hierarchical Hidden Markov Models (HMM) classify trajectories into binary states: Sleeping, Low-energy, Foraging, and Movement, with spatial interactions (Bounce).

RSF Analysis

Resource Selection Functions model habitat selection intensity, revealing behavioral-specific landscape preferences.

Study Timeline

Chronological progression of the BACI experimental design

Oct 2022 - Aug 2023

PRE - HOME RANGE

Initial GPS collar deployment and baseline behavioral monitoring within fenced management zones.

Jan 23, 2024

Fence Removal

Internal boundary between Kariega West and Harvestvale removed, initiating the interim transition phase.

Jan - Mar 2024

Interim Phase

Initial behavioral adaptation and exploratory movement into previously inaccessible landscape segments.

Apr 2024 - Present

POST - NOVEL RANGE

Stable utilization of the unified landscape and establishment of novel behavioral-habitat selection patterns.

Research Framework

A multi-scale investigation into elephant behavioral shifts and spatial constraints following landscape-level management interventions.

RQ 1

Overall Activity Budgets

How do African elephants allocate time among movement, foraging, sleeping, and low-energy behavioral states as inferred from GPS collar data?

Predictions:
  • Primary allocation to low-energy and foraging states; movement and sleeping comprising smaller fractions.
  • Seasonal variance: Increased movement during resource-limited periods vs. low-energy behavior during resource-rich periods.
  • Sleeping states spatially and temporally clustered (predominantly night/low-disturbance zones).
RQ 2

Spatial Distribution (RSF)

How does the spatial distribution of behavioral states vary across the landscape to identify core areas and movement corridors?

Predictions:
  • Foraging/Low-energy associated with high vegetation productivity resource zones.
  • Movement concentrated along repeat-use pathways linking core areas.
  • Sleeping selected for spatially discrete areas with reduced human disturbance.
RQ 3

Demographic Variation

How do activity budgets and spatial selection differ among elephants by sex and social grouping?

Predictions:
  • Adult males exhibiting higher movement and broader spatial use, especially during musth.
  • Family groups with calves selecting for areas proximal to water and protective cover.
  • Exploratory vs. risk-averse herds showing distinct adaptation patterns in newly accessible habitat.
RQ 4

Ghost Fence Persistence

Do elephants exhibit persistent movement constraints consonant with a "ghost fence" effect following physical removal?

Predictions:
  • Initial persistence of turning/slowing near former lines with increased tortuosity.
  • Temporal decline: Strength of effect diminishes as crossings and spatial expansion increase.
  • Older individuals/socially conservative herds showing longer behavioral persistence.

Interactive Features

Trajectory Pre Trajectory Post

Animated Trajectories

Watch elephant movements unfold over time with smooth animations, behavioral color coding, and synchronized multi-elephant views.

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RSF Heatmap

RSF Heatmaps

Toggle habitat selection intensity overlays with adjustable opacity to compare predicted vs. realized occupancy patterns.

Compare →
Vegetation Usage Summary Micro Habitat Comparison

Real-time Statistics

View behavioral state distributions, movement metrics, and time budgets that update as you scrub through the timeline.

Analyze →

Meet the Elephants

Six elephants tracked across the BACI study periods, each with unique movement patterns and behavioral adaptations

Males
Kamva (E1)

Kamva (E1)

KW - Pre, Interim
Home RangeKariega West
PeriodsPre, Interim

Ecological baseline in the Kariega West (KW) exclusion zone, demonstrating typical daily periodicity in foraging and maintenance behavior.

Kambaku (E2)

Kambaku (E2)

KW - Pre, Interim
Home RangeKariega West
PeriodsPre, Interim

Pre and interim period data with stable movement patterns within established territory.

Balu (E6)

Balu (E6)

HV (Pre) / KW (Int)
Home RangeHarvestvale
PeriodsPre, Interim

Pre and interim period data providing baseline behavioral metrics and movement patterns.

Kariega Study Area
Study Area Map
Vegetation and Fence Map

The Kariega Game Reserve, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, is a premier private wildlife conservancy spanning approximately 10,000 hectares (115 km²) along the Bushmans River. The reserve is dominated by dense, woody, and thorny semi-succulent vegetation characteristic of the Albany Thicket biome.

Kariega supports a diverse assemblage of wildlife, including African elephant (Loxodonta africana), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), white and black rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum and Diceros bicornis), ostrich (Struthio camelus), and numerous avian and reptile species.

Initially, the elephant population (75 individuals) was divided by an internal fence into Kariega West (KW; 2,792 ha; 55 elephants) and Harvestvale (HV; 4,369 ha; 20 elephants). Fence removal in 2024 created a contiguous 8,192 ha landscape accessible to the entire population.

Females
Bukela (E3)

Bukela (E3)

KW - All Periods
Home RangeKariega West
PeriodsAll 3

Full BACI dataset showing dramatic range expansion and habitat exploration post-fence removal.

Half Moon (E4)

Half Moon (E4)

KW - All Periods
Home RangeKariega West
PeriodsAll 3

Complete temporal coverage with notable behavioral shifts and increased movement range.

Beauty (E5)

Beauty (E5)

HV (Pre) / KW (All)
Home RangeHarvestvale
PeriodsAll 3

Full dataset revealing gradual habitat exploration and adaptation to novel landscape features.

CIRGEO
Bring The Elephant Home
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