
(MSc at the University of Pretoria)
Ligand specificity of uterine oestrogen and progesterone receptors in the sub adult African elephant
A study looking at the ligand specificity of uterine oestrogen and progesterone receptors in the African elephant in view of developing techniques to potentially control the reproductive output of elephants.
Influence of gestation on uterine endometrial steroid receptor concentrations in the African elephant
Estrogen and progesterone receptor concentrations were determined from uterine biopsies obtained from both pregnant and non-pregnant females of African elephants. Concentrations of estrogen and progesterone receptors were inversely correlated to gestational stage with evidence of down regulation of progesterone receptors with progressing gestation.
Download Article (1997)
Download Article (1998)
(PhD at Wits)
Sex and age related distinctions in the feeding ecology of the African elephant
Within the Associated Private nature Reserves of South Africa, plant based surveys on woody species were conducted at the feeding sites of both bull groups and family units of elephants during the dry season. Although similar in terms of plant species composition, the diets of bull groups and family units differed in the plant parts ingested. Chemical analyses of plant and fecal samples support the Body Size Hypothesis according to which bulls maintain diets of lower nutritional quality than smaller bodied females, who may or may not be pregnant. These results support observed sex and age related distinctions in vegetation impact levels and could also drive sexual segregation in elephants.
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