Repeated migration informs amino acid nitrogen isotope incorporation in the African elephant Loxodonta africana

Key Points

• Nitrogen isotope incorporation shows significant variation, influenced by repeated migration patterns—suggesting dietary flexibility in elephants.
• Isotope analysis revealed that elephants incorporated nitrogen isotopes from diverse food sources, reflecting their migratory behavior over distinct environments.
• Assessment of stable nitrogen isotopes across habitats uncovered complex interactions between migration, diet, and nutrient uptake in elephants.
• Findings highlight the importance of migration for understanding dietary habits and ecology, calling for further research on migratory species.