African elephants work according to the moon cycle

Scientists say the elephant works depending on the moon's cycle, to avoid human detection on bright moon nights.

The study was conducted by the Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom at Tanzania's Mikumi National Park in Tanzania, home to Africa's largest wild elephant population. Scientists say elephants often wait until night to eat human crops but avoid activities every morning when the moon is bright.

African elephants are considered the largest terrestrial animal on the planet.(Photo: sciencebuzz)

The area of ​​the scientific group chosen to study is 5 villages adjacent to the park. Here villagers and experts have recorded cases of elephants attacking crops of people. The night attacks of elephants are recorded with differences in frequency and cycle. In particular, the attack and the level of damage decreased significantly during the full moon period. Elephants are species that work both day and night, but their attacks usually occur only at night to avoid the risk of being detected.

According to Rachel Grant, a professor of animal behavior at Anglia Ruskin University, the results show that elephants change behavior to reduce the risk of encountering people. By changing the cycle of activity on bright moon nights, elephants are less likely to be detected by humans and reduce the risk of being faced.

Rachel Grant added that in addition to elephants, there are many other animals that work on the moon's cycle and with varying degrees of light, which serve as part of development.

With this study, scientists will apply to learn more about other elephants outside Tanzania, and research can be applied to protect farms from the enormous damage caused by elephants. .