African elephant, Loxodonta africana, behaviours across levels of tourism in Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe

As charismatic megafauna, flagship species and ecosystem engineers, African elephants are vital to African tourist economy and ecosystem health. Wildlife tourism may induce behavioural shifts that push desired animals into less frequented areas, disrupt natural behaviours and potentially have negative ecosystem consequences. Managers of tourism areas need to make decisions about the level and distribution of tourism within their managed area, such as a national park, to determine the best combination of providing a memorable tourist experience and ensuring the wellbeing of the species sought by tourists, such as elephants and their habitat. To assess this trade-off, we examined whether African elephants are less vigilant or more vigilant in areas with lower levels of human traffic. We studied elephant behaviours in Zambezi National Park near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Geographical, demographic and behavioural data were collected via elephant sightings and any vehicles in the area. We mapped these data in ArcGIS to create a visual representation of their spatial relationship and to identify hotspot locations. Elephants were more frequently sighted in the park region with less vehicle traffic, but they also displayed higher rates of vigilance behaviours in that region, suggesting greater vigilance where vehicles were less common. An understanding of elephant behaviour even within managed areas can inform decisions on tourism levels across locations to provide elephants with areas of refuge from human intrusion, but additional research is needed to determine the longer-term ecosystem consequences. • Wildlife tourism can have positive and negative impacts on wildlife. • African elephants are charismatic megafauna that attract high levels of tourism. • We examined elephants’ responses to human traffic in Zimbabwe National Park. • Elephants displayed higher levels of vigilance in areas with less human traffic. • Management must balance tourism benefits with the wellbeing of elephants.