Technology That Detects Earthquakes Is Used To Protect Elephants

One way to protect elephants is to use seismographs to detect the risk of earthquakes. This lets you know if these animals are fleeing from poachers.

Protecting elephants is one of the priorities in the defense of African fauna. These giants are fast disappearing because of ivory trafficking and poaching.

Protecting elephants: why is it imperative?

The African elephant has been chased for centuries. Therefore, protecting elephants is now vitally important.

In ancient times they were used as war machines and were hunted for centuries for their prey. However, it was in the 19th century that their hunting intensified.

The use of firearms and hunting as a recreational activity made the elephant one of the most coveted prey. As such, he was worth a fortune between the American and European markets.

In 1989, hunting was banned and the ivory trade became illegal. However, this only came after the death of hundreds of elephants, wiping out nearly half of the world’s population.

Fortunately, elephant hunting has been increasingly opposed by African societies as well as other Western countries.

In addition, the fines for hunters in countries where there are elephants exceed the figure of ten thousand euros, as well as the removal of hunting licenses.

Elephants, fascinating animals

Elephants are the largest land animals in the world, weighing between six tons. However, there are records of specimens of more than 10 tons. 

They are extremely intelligent animals, with a very rich emotional life. Furthermore, they understand the concept of death and have their own culture.

Later, when new generations and old relatives of these animals find the skeletons, they perform ceremonies in which they touch the bones of their relatives for a long time.

Elephants and their use of tremors

Interestingly, a new way to protect elephants has been found: detecting earthquakes. By analyzing the tremors caused by these animals when walking, it is possible to locate them.

Several British universities have studied the tremors they produce when walking. As a result, they realized that earthquakes are vitally important to their communication and that they can help protect them.

Researchers have even found that the vocalizations and calls of elephant herds are transmitted through the ground faster than even through the air.

The team of scientists only wanted to know how far these vibrations reached. However, they found that it was relatively simple to differentiate between them and understand the different behaviors of elephants, and how the terrain and human activities influence them.

How to protect elephants with this information?

It has also been found that human activities interfere with this communication. Furthermore, through this communication one can find out when elephants are being chased.

Thus,  this study proposes the use of earthquake detectors. In this way, seismographs can monitor elephants for tens of kilometers without disturbing them, and know when they are being attacked.

For example,  these detectors could analyze stampedes, which would be especially useful for interfering with hunters’ attacks on  these impressive animals.