The Play Behaviour of Elephant Calves (Elephas maximus sumatranus) at The Conservation Response Unit (CRU), Tangkahan, Langkat, North Sumatra

Kaniwa Berliani; Lili Nur Indah  Sari; Wahdi  Azmi; Cynthia  Gozali

doi:10.22146/jtbb.19649

Kaniwa Berliani Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia 20155 https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8426-2589
Lili Nur Indah Sari Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia 20155
Wahdi Azmi Conservation Response Unit Tangkahan, Desa Namu Sialang, Batang Serangan, Langkat, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia 20852 https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5471-4929
Cynthia Gozali Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia 20155 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0295-8824

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/jtbb.19649

Keywords: Conservation, CRU, Elephas maximus, Play behaviour, Sumatran elephant calves, Tangkahan

Abstract

Play behaviour is a key component of animal development that enhances motor coordination, social bonding, and adaptability. This study examined the play behaviour of three four-year-old Sumatran elephant calves (Elephas maximus sumatranus) housed at the Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in Tangkahan, Langkat, North Sumatra. Observations were conducted using focal animal sampling and continuous recording for a total of 80 hours, yielding 14,400 behavioural data points. Eleven elephants’ play behaviour categories were identified, with locomotion showing the highest frequency 66.9 %), followed by running (13.0 %) and trunk entwining (6.3 %). The male calf exhibited a higher proportion of active play compared with females, suggesting potential sex-related differences in energy expenditure and social interaction. These findings provide the first quantitative description of play behaviour in Sumatran elephant calves under managed care. The behavioural patterns observed may serve as baseline indicators for assessing welfare and designing enrichment activities in ex-situ conservation settings. Understanding the diversity and frequency of play behaviours can help managers evaluate psychological well-being and promote natural behaviours essential for long-term conservation success.

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