Is there a link between allomothering and personality? Insights from a population of semi-captive Asian elephants working in Myanmar's timber industry
2023

Allomothering is a fascinating behavior that has been observed in many long-lived social species, including elephants. Despite its prevalence, the factors driving allomothering behavior have remained unclear. In my research, I aimed to shed light on this important topic by investigating the link between allomothering and personality in a population of semi-captive Asian elephants working in Myanmar's timber industry. To confirm the repeatability of allomothering behavior in this population, I used previously collected questionnaire data from 2014 to 2018 directed at elephant keepers and conducted a repeatability analysis. I employed a combination of measurement invariance analysis and generalized linear mixed models to investigate the link between allomothering and personality. The results of my study indicate that allomothering is a repeatable behavior, and captive-born elephants are more likely to exhibit it than their wild-caught counterparts. Although my research did not provide support for a link between allomothering and personality, it sheds light on this important behavior in Asian elephants and can be valuable for improving their management and welfare.

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This data was collected by members of the Myanmar Timber Elephant Project, an organization affiliated with the Myanmar Timber Enterprise and the Myanmar government for research purposes.  I look forward to publishing the results of this research soon! In the meantime, check out the Myanmar Elephant Project website to learn more about the Myanmar elephants and the interesting research conducted by the group.

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P.S. These amazing photographs were taken by members of the Myanmar Timber Elephant Project in Dr. Virpi Lummaa's lab!