Assessing the drivers of African elephant movement and group structure in uMkhuze Game Reserve, South Africa

African elephant populations in fenced reserves require active management to prevent overpopulation and habitat degradation. Whilst contraception is a common method used in elephant population management, a detailed understanding of elephant movement patterns, and the associated environmental or behavioural drivers, is fundamental to the management and long-term conservation of critical resources in protected areas. These data, on both the impact of contraception and elephant movement dynamics, are particularly important for the effective management of elephant populations in small conservation areas, such as uMkhuze Game Reserve. Here, six cows and three bulls were fitted with Long-Range (LoRaWAN) GPS collars transmitting hourly location data. These locality data in combination with environmental variables including the vegetation type, soil type, topography and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index are used to determine the factors influencing movement patterns across the reserve. The effectiveness of the contraception program is evaluated by comparing elephant population structure, based on morphological characteristics of age and sexratios, in pre- and post- contraception periods. Ultimately, this research supports adaptive conservation strategies that promote the sustainable management of elephant populations while supporting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience. These results provide the reserve management with an evidence-based framework for the effective management of their elephant population.