Terra Natura Benidorm has participated in a research study focused on the relationship between the state of the molars, due to the way they chew, and the size of the faecal particles in Asian elephants. Within the framework of this collaborative study, Dr. Christian Schiffmann, member of the EAZA Elephant Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) and the IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG), visited us.

Our experts from the veterinary and animal department have been in charge of taking various samples and have reinforced the training of the two Asian elephants to open their mouths so that samples can be taken from their mouths to be analysed and compared with the presence of faecal particles.

Photographs of the molars have also been taken to observe their condition. The study aims to determine the efficiency of chewing as a function of the dental condition of the pachyderms and the size of the faecal particles. Schiffmann’s hypothesis analyses the possible relationship between the chewing efficiency according to the age of each elephant and the fluctuations in body mass that are observed.

During their stay, the researchers have been taking photographs of the elephants’ teeth. Dr. Schiffmann’s visit included a talk on the sleeping habits of elephants, another of the subjects he specialises in and is currently researching. The talk was attended by several keepers and the park’s technical team.