Hyderabad, Aug 17 (UNI) Elephants involved in temple public processions are elevated stress hormones compared to other elephants, scientists team from Laboratory for the Conservation of endangered Species (LaCONES, CSIR-CCMB (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology), revealed in their study report published in a recent issue of Journal 'Animals.'
"Elephants are an integral part of human culture and mythology in Asia. More than 20 per cent of Asian elephants live in captivity and are an indispensable workforce for forest departments, tourism, and religious purposes," the study said.
The captive elephants facing stress due to poor management practices, the study said this includes increased use of non-traditional or unskilled and inexperienced mahouts.