Both sexes of Asian elephants have been demonstrated to rely on chemical communication in a number of critically important life situations including reproduction. However, many functional questions remain with chemical communication among male Asian elephants. Especially crucial is the precise quantification of linked behavioral and chemical differences during musth and nonmusth and its importance toward conservation and captive management.

The purpose of this study is to determine which chemical compounds present during musth (and nonmusth) in male Asian elephant effluvia (e.g., urine, temporal gland secretion) are utilized as chemical signals by conspecifics. Additionally, the project investigators will attempt to determine which of these compounds can be used as repellents or deterrents in the management of wild Asian elephants.