Talk by Virpi Lummaa, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Please, join us in welcoming Prof of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Virpi Lummaa, who is giving a talk, entitled 'Know you elephant! How interactions with humans influence elephant behaviour, physiology and welfare in Myanmar' as part of the ANTS Lecture Series.

Abstract

Billions of animals live in close proximity to humans around the world from pets and livestock to laboratory, draught and zoo animals. The interactions these animals have with humans in captivity influence their physiology, behaviour, reproduction, growth, morbidity, and mortality. The Asian elephant is an endangered species whose close history with humans has led to >25% of its total population living in captivity today, mostly in Asia and cared for by traditional handlers (mahouts). This talk focuses on the relationship between mahouts and their elephants in the largest semi-captive population of elephants, the logging elephants of Myanmar. We have studied how interactions with humans influence the elephants’ behaviour, physiology and welfare.

Short Bio

Virpi Lummaa is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Turku. She leads the Myanmar Timber Elephant Project (www.elepant-project.science/) and Human Life-History Group (www.human-life-history.science/)

The event will be catered with coffee and snacks.

All welcome!