Tuskless bulls in Asian elephant Elephas maximus . History and population genetics of a man-made phenomenon

In Asian elephant Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 tuskless bulls or maknas are generally rare. Only in Sri Lanka 93% of subadult and adult bulls have been reported to be maknas. Using historical records and computer simulations we demonstrate that simulation in man-made. The following mechanisms were identified to be associated with a loss of tuskers: (1) When using elephants, man has always preffered tuskers. (2) Selective hunting and capturing frequently led to a decrease of tuskers in wild-living populations. (3) The impact of selective unting and capturing was highest in isolated populations, such as Sri Lanka. (4) Selective removal of tuskers for protecting a maximum wild-living male population resulted in an increase of maknas.