Assessment of Nutrients in Natural Saltlicks, Artificial Saltlicks, and General Soils Used by Wild Asian Elephants ( Elephas maximus ) in the Western Forests of Thailand

Rattanawat Chaiyarat (), Salisa Kanthachompoo, Nikorn Thongtip and Monthira Yuttitham
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Rattanawat Chaiyarat: Wildlife and Plant Research Center, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom Province 73170, Thailand
Salisa Kanthachompoo: Office of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Nikorn Thongtip: Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kampang Saen, Nakhon Pathom Province 73140, Thailand
Monthira Yuttitham: Wildlife and Plant Research Center, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom Province 73170, Thailand

Resources, 2023, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Saltlicks are fundamental resources for wild Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ). This study aimed to assess the nutrients found in natural saltlicks (NSs) and artificial saltlicks (ASs), as well as general soils (GS) in the natural forest of Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) and a restoration area of Kui Buri National Park (KNP), a which is a forest in Western Thailand. We monitored 33 NSs, 35 ASs, and 20 GSs used by wild Asian elephants. In both areas, the K, Mg, Fe, and Cu in NSs were significantly higher than in ASs. The Ca and Zn in NSs of KNP were lower than the ASs of SWS. The salinity of ASs was the highest, making it significantly higher than that of the NSs in both areas. The ASs can supplement Na, thereby increasing salinity in both areas. The Ca, K, Mg, Fe, and Cu in NSs were significantly higher than in ASs, making them a primary target for elephants. These findings have consequences for conserving elephants and other large herbivores by supplementing essential macro- and micro-nutrients in ASs.

Keywords: animal nutrition; conservation; habitat restoration; keystone resource (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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