London - Elephants have long been recognised as one of nature’s most intelligent beasts and now scientists have found they have a rather crafty side too.
British researchers discovered African elephants picked the darkest nights to raid crops fields. They found that fewer raids took place during a full moon – when farmers are more likely to spot the animals.
Co-author of the study of elephants in Tanzania’s Mikumi National Park, Dr Rachel Grant of Anglia Ruskin University, said: “Our results support the belief that elephants alter behaviour to reduce the risks of encountering humans.”
The research, published in the African Journal of Ecology, could be used to help protect farms. - Daily Mail