research studies » completed studies
Since our founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has funded hundreds of health research studies to protect, treat and cure the world's companion animals and wildlife.
Our studies have led to major advances in veterinary care, including vaccines and other preventions, diagnostic tools and new therapies for the diseases and health conditions that threaten the lives of the animals we love. Search our completed study database by species and/or disease to learn more about how our work has given animals longer, healthier lives.
Category
D07ZO-636: The Effect of Population Density on African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Endoparasite Burden: A Study of Three South African National Parks
principal investigator: Laura Waring, Veterinary Student Scholar, Royal Veterinary College, London
completed
Results
High Population Density Causes Increased Parasites in Elephants
This project examined the link between population density and the worm parasite burden of elephants in three game reserves in South Africa. The student determined that the average egg counts of parasites in the parks increases with increased population density—the more elephants per hectare, the higher the number of worm eggs found. The association could be a useful indicator of the overall health of the elephant populations. The stocking levels of the elephants is being monitored and assessed by wildlife conservationists, who may soon need to make difficult decisions to control numbers. The scientific information on the health status of the elephants and implications of the stocking levels from this study will hopefully help population managers make informed decisions about the elephant populations.
