Elephants living near farms often avoid certain crops that previously caused harm, such as chili peppers. They remember negative experiences and selectively feed on safer plants. This discrimination improves over time and spreads through the herd. It shows refined learning, not random feeding. Elephants can adapt diets based on consequence.
It matters because it offers non-lethal ways to reduce human-elephant conflict. Behavioral deterrents can work.
It also demonstrates elephants’ capacity for selective learning. Experience reshapes instinct.
Herds exposed to chili-based deterrents reduce crop raiding significantly. Younger elephants learn avoidance by watching elders.
World Wildlife Fund (worldwildlife.org)