Heart rate patterns of captive Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in their natural habitat at Wild Elephant Valley, Xishuangbanna of China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25720
• Publication Date: 2024-02-03T05:37:04Z
• Authors: Fangyi Zhou; Mingwei Bao; Xianming Guo; Qingzhong Shen; Jiming Chen; Duo Li; Hong Bao; Li Zhang
• Keywords: Asian elephant; Proboscidea

There are few studies on the changes of heart rate Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), one largest tropical terrestrial mammals, with its self-factors and external environment. By measuring 35 elephants, ranging in age from 4 months to 52 years, using a non-invasive electrocardiogram sensor their natural habitat at Wild Elephant Valley, Xishuangbanna China, we found factors that significantly influenced HR were season, phase day, age, body weight, interaction between some above factors. We also observed elephants had lower resting morning hot season than cold mild differences significant, but increased similar levels afternoon regardless season. decreased all seasons phases day. However, there was no significant effect sex. This study reveals adaptability environment, provides basic reference for under various conditions.