An Assessment of Vascular Plant Species in Five Elephant Movement Corridors in Jeli, Kelantan, with Observations on Plant Availability and Utilisation by Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus)

Abstract

A field survey was conducted in the Jeli District of Kelantan to assess vascular plant species composition and examine plant availability and utilisation by Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) within identified movement corridors associated with human-elephant conflict (HEC). The study focused on five sites with the highest reported incidences of HEC: Batu Melintang, Kalai, Lata Janggut, Sungai Rual, and Kampung Jabir. Vegetation sampling was conducted along transects near forest edges and agricultural interfaces to document plant diversity and identify species consumed by elephants. A total of 135 vascular plant species representing 47 botanical families were recorded. Among these, 12 species from nine families were confirmed as part of the elephants’ diet. These comprised native pioneer species (e.g., Macaranga bancana, Melastoma malabathricum, Ficus variegata), introduced or potentially invasive species (e.g., Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camara), and cultivated crops (Manihot esculenta and Musa acuminata). Most utilised species were associated with disturbed habitats, forest margins, and plantation boundaries. The findings indicate that elephants exploit ecotonal zones that provide a combination of native, introduced, and cultivated food resources, which may increase their movement into agricultural landscapes and contribute to recurring HEC. As this study represents a one-time field assessment, the documented dietary composition reflects a temporal snapshot and may expand with longer-term observation. These results underscore the importance of vegetation management, habitat restoration, and strategic land-use planning in elephant corridors to support conservation objectives while mitigating HEC and safeguarding local livelihoods.