How Humans Are Reshaping Elephant Evolution

Watch the full episode of Human Footprint here: • Video
In our first episode of Human Footprint, host and evolutionary biologist Shane Campbell-Staton uncovers the impact of hunting on elephant genetics. From Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park to the scars left on the elephant population, Shane's research is revealing how our actions can change the course of evolution itself.
Human Footprint is a show that delves into the impact of humans on the planet. Join Shane as he travels from farms to restaurants, from high-tech labs to street markets, and from forests to cities to uncover the consequences of our unique history. Are you ready to explore our past, present, and future as a species?
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[@arcticgoddess]

The one thing I found so powerful and moving about the pandemic was in March, 2020 when the world locked down and humans stayed inside. Coyotes almost immediately cruised over the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. Dolphins filled the canals in Venice, sheep started strolling through Scottish towns. It was so beautiful to see wildlife taking back their habitats. It made me wish that humankind would do this once a year to remind ourselves that we are all on this planet together, and must protect nature at all cost.

[@Glenn-F-Rice]

I am lucky. I have 2 acres in the country but a family owns 400 acres of woods right behind me.

[@donnahersey9813]

At the early stages of the pandemic my little resort town in the Ozarks was in self-imposed lockdown. Only an occasional vehicle passed by and not a tourist in sight for weeks. My place had foxes giving birth in the little cliffs above the house in my backyard. We once counted five kits sunning themselves. The adults boldly strolled the property in the day without fear and to our absolute delight. 😊

[@investorbettor505]

Noticeable increase in dolphins in the south Florida area in my experience as well

[@Glenn-F-Rice]

@@donnahersey9813 i live in the country. Fox are pretty good at staying hidden.

[@Glenn-F-Rice]

@@investorbettor505 i saw a video where a company discharged warm water into the ocean. The manatee were hanging out.

[@sciencenerd7639]

Fantastic video. You might have also mentioned the reason why the male elephants are not born tuskless. The tuskless gene is X linked dominant and it happens to be lethal in males. When a tuskless female is pregnant with male offspring which has inherited the tuskless allele, the result is a miscarriage, and that is why there are no male tuskless elephants (edit: this applies to African elephants but not Asian elephants). Thank you for the video. I hope that the elephants will be well protected in the coming years so that their populations can recover.

[@Katie-hh9eu]

Thank you for adding that, I suspected this was the case but didn't know for sure.

[@evelynsnyder5866]

It sounds like this could actually cause elephants to go extinct in that area, when no male elephants are able to be born, at least to the tuskless females anyway.

[@josephvisnovsky1462]

It is not that males aren't born. Males carrying the tuskless gene are less likely to survive in utero, let alone able to fight as an adult without tusks. Other than a genetic trait, what if Neoteny is playing a role? Evolutionary stress causing tusk growth to remain juvenile?

[@luckybutunlucky8937]

That's amazing but sad.

[@moniqueengleman873]

Excellent explanation

[@mellissadalby1402]

Yes, it speaks to the power of who humans are as a species and brings into sharp relief the RESPONSIBILITY that we must also accept and fullfill.

[@solsoman102]

brings into sharp relief is a crazy phrase love that

[@lucykelly7152]

Hunters are mentally ill!

[@derek20la]

Tell that to the Chinese 😂

[@johnn3542]

So what do we do... and where are you saying this from, a tent in Mongolia or suburban America 2000sq f "small houee", China, maybe in a poor Appalachia holler poaching deer to feed your kids...

[@edmer68]

@@johnn3542 I prefer pan-seared venison over poached

[@archangel996]

"An elephant never forgets, but maybe they can learn to forgive." I am crying at the club 😭😭😭

[@ExplainAndSummarize]

The story of Gorongosa's tuskless elephants is a testament to the resilience of nature and the profound influence of human activity on the natural world. By unraveling the genetic mysteries behind tusklessness, scientists have shed light on the rapid evolution that took place within this unique population. As we contemplate the legacy of our species, it is crucial to recognize our ability to both shape and protect the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us.

[@huldu]

Indeed. We directly affect so many species on this planet even bacteria, diseases and viruses. I am so curious about the future of mankind as we quickly become more and more, like a virus going out of control. How will everyone be fed, have homes, jobs etc? Of course all of this will shape nature and every other creature on this planet. Doesn't mean that we mean good because even if we do the results are often bad.

[@AifDaimon]

​@@hulduwe basically became a walking virus over the course of our entire evolutionary history

[@WanderTheNomad]

@@yidavv I wouldn't use the word experiment, but it does feel like it was written by AI. If it was, I think the purpose is literally in the account username, "Explain and Summarize"

[@josephvisnovsky1462]

"Life finds a way." - Dr Ian Malcolm

[@lucykelly7152]

Hunters f*cked them up, by killing off the tuskers, which are now on their walls! The hunters love this, because it makes them feel big to have destroied them. I have read posts saying so, on social media. They also feel special to be in possession of their body parts! They are sick f*cks, who need to be imprisoned for the rest of their lives for the huge damage they did to the ecosystem! They also need drugging, to control their mental illness, so they don't cause any more harm!

[@ncubesays]

It's awesome seeing Gorongosa being featured. I live in Zimbabwe and it's crazy how Mozambique is often omitted from the typical safari repertoire in Southern Africa.

[@levismith7444]

It’s crazy considering I have amazing beaches and reefs aside from the wildlife

[@Testuser582]

In Kerala, India around 1 in 10 male elephant are born without tusks. They are called mozha.

[@WildlifeWarrior-cr1kk]

Their DNA is changing Elephants around the world are being born without tusks

[@Hollyucinogen]

I read that it's basically a way that they evolved to evade poachers. 😢

[@takenname8053]

SUPER NICE, It’s always surprising how fast nature could change and heal itself

[@jso6790]

Great episode. So sad, but so happy to see more about Gorangosa's recovery. The PBS Nature episode "Nature's Fear Factor" was also excellent, about the reintroduction of Wild Dogs (also known as Painted Wolves) into the park, because of the vital role they play as mid-level predators.

[@TheArtfulAddict]

Having tusks makes them vulnerable to slaughter. If the vast majority of tusked elephants are killed, then that leaves mostly tuskless elephants to procreate and pass on the tuskless gene . Seems to me that would explain why the tuskless population has increased.

[@Boats_N_Hoez]

That’s extremely smart. I thought this as well. Like humans have been killing hundreds and hundreds of years for their tusks. They’re evolving without them not just from lack of females with tusks but also because they are being hunted. Their dna knows better

[@joedennehy386]

Exactly right

[@Notfunnysam]

1st world subjugation in its current form ....endgame

[@emmasoule4891]

Yeah that's what the video is about

[@rauces27]

P

[@garethmcguinness377]

PBS Eons sent me, i was not disappointed lmao great stuff as always from PBS

[@marjoriegoodwin2993]

Not just animals, but all of nature has it`s own brand of intelligence. Trees have awareness, (which most of humanity have no comprehension of) and they actually utilize a communication system, which is located underground, and a part of the mycelium family. Native Americans recognized that everything has a soul. Elephants have for eons been revered for their multiplicities of quality. It comes as no surprise to me personally, that if tusks are to die for, they are worth giving up, to save the species. I am so grateful for the making of this informative film. Thank you for caring enough to educate all who stop by to learn. Beautiful and brilliant.

[@joedennehy386]

You absolutely don't understand evolution. The Elephants didn't decide to lose the tusks. Tuskless Elephants didn't get shot, and got to make more babies. No plan at all

[@SeaTurtle515]

Yes, we humans need to take much more responsibility for how we have impacted the natural world. 🌿

[@AuGAlaN]

She is a beautiful human being protecting the elephants with a smile

[@kimberleemodel7182]

I suppose its a confluence of of a recessive gene suddenly becoming highly valuable (or invaluable to poachers) hopefully without that pressure the population regrows tusks in a few generations(presuming that its really the dominant gene)

[@leonabug619]

It's not that the recesive gene is highly valuable, although in this particular instance it is. But it's literally because that recessive gene was half of what was left throughout the 200 elephants.

[@yvonnejackson1696]

If we continue to destroy the environment upon which we depend, how will that affect our genetics and our evolution?

[@bjb7587]

The more pressing question is whether we can survive without the natural world. Best example is the plunging numbers of bees that pollinate the crops on which we depend.

[@bjb7587]

@@brunocaruso6007 But but but Robot bees, or mechanical bees, are machines designed to do the work of actual bees, like pollinating plants, as well as monitor the health of bee hives. They are used to increase productivity in the agriculture industry, particularly as the global bee population grows more fragile. It's hard to see how these drones would be helpful, though, considering that if deployed in the same place as bees the machine's blades and loud noise would likely kill and scare away real bees. These drones cost about $100 each, and so far are controlled manually. 🙄

[@bjb7587]

@@brunocaruso6007 Understandable. I think it's pathetic that we may need robots to replace the natural world because we wouldn't make the effort to save it. PS We can't replace the natural word, only create a poor imitation. And, sadly, after a few generations, no one will remember the difference.

[@mickymouse2445]

Best question here jet

[@LM-vr2we]

Everyone who depends on modern life will likely die as it will become far too expensive. There will be a correction. Happens in all areas of life.

[@kyosmith15948710]

Eons sent me!

[@daniellagomez5412]

Yup, me too!

Sent by Eons

[@DarthCalculus]

Pbs eons sente here!

[@daniellagomez5412]

Yes! I was too.

[@VlekSoT]

+1

[@clivematthews95]

This should not happen, it’s so tragic what we put them through 😢 They’re so majestic, and beautiful. I hope they fully bounce back

[@WildlifeWarrior-cr1kk]

What's with the sad face they would be extinct in the wild

[@user-eb6te1pj5z]

So amazing. Beautifully done. Thank you.. SUPER NICE,It’s always surprising how fast nature could change and heal itself.

[@deweesegilyard2998]

So amazing. Beautifully done. Thank you.

[@Pottery4Life]

Thank you for sharing. Excellent elephant episode. 😁

[@daniellagomez5412]

I was sent by Eons! Anybody else?

[@Greentrees60]

The editing on this video is great, very cool!

[@Navarro94]

Hey 👋 Eons sent me here 😊

[@milanritscher4777]

EONS sent me

[@daniellagomez5412]

Same!

[@TheDevian]

We have been talking about this general trend for decades. It is good to see someone finally doing something.

[@KEJDMmm]

I have just subscribed to this channel! I already am intrigued with what you’re doing! I have been watching The Herd for a long time now. I’m sure you’re aware of what they do to protect these elephants! I’m excited to watch your videos, because you actually OBSERVE them living In the WILD. The Herd, tho very very enjoyable to watch, it almost resembles people running a day care for elephants…not children! I am going to now continue watching this video! Thank you for making this. video! Mary🇺🇸🙏❤️🙏

[@mollysimmons2960]

Another animal humans have impacted are the diamond-back rattle snakes. After decades of killing rattlesnakes for sport or from fear has seen rattlesnakes with small or no rattles. The snakes with rattles were killed off. snakes left had no rattling or very small insignificant rattling ability🐍

[@leonabug619]

I heard that as well, but there are still plenty of diamond backs that utilize their rattles. At least here in San Diego they do!

[@Moses_VII]

What about supporting cobra?

[@seabeepirate]

Although what happened there was terrible it is fascinating that extreme conditions can dramatically alter biology in such a short time. I wonder what other things caused sudden shifts in biology. Volcanoes, and a meteor impacts, earthquakes and tsunamis, wildfires maybe. It gives me hope that when the environment fully tanks because people didn't care enough, we'll be able to adapt and go on, albeit in much smaller numbers like the elephants.

[@AlyxGlide]

Human Footprint is a good series thanks 👍

[@BPBomber]

Came for the elephants. Stayed for Dominique 😍

[@c.rutherford]

Its almost mind boggling how rare these animals are now compared to humans. Current estimates are around 497,000 remaining for the entire world- hardly enough to populate one decent sized city. At the current human population of 8 billion, that means if we divided them up as pets every living elephant would be shared by sixteen thousand people 🐘

[@dlmalley8639]

There are more domestic cows. Pigs and sheep than wildlife populations in America 😢

[@c.rutherford]

@@dlmalley8639 as someone who has been into prehistoric animals since a child, the sobering fact that so many of them were extincted by humans over and over, inevitably creeps in. And yet as we humans wipe all these animals out, at the same time we miss their companionship. I have no doubt there are more toy figures statues and paintings of elephants in peoples homes, than actual elephants in the world today. As well as many others.

[@dislexicdicktionary]

Here from eons

[@jasN86]

Cool episode, thanks!

[@benjaminstubblefield2637]

I saw that movie years ago, “Elephants Are Evolving, And Boy Are They Are They Pissed!” The sequel was, “Hannibal Gets The Horn!”

[@LeoSunPiscesMoon]

@Besmart sent me and I'm so glad they did. ❤

[@silentwilly2983]

Link to full video gives me 'video unavailable' (not the common message indicating geo restriction).

[@Trials_By_Errors]

Elephants do not forget. And they certainly do not forgive.

[@oO0catty0Oo]

The linked video is unavailable. Too bad, I would have liked to see it.

[@touncy1533]

impressive young lady, great ambassador & more

[@TTOS69]

Do the elephants incisers grow IN the tusk like stated on here or ARE the tusks? Kinda confused by the way you worded it.

[@amy051985]

Great video. Bare in mind that poaching for ivory has been brutal over the last centuries and even as far back as the Roman empire plenty of time to evolve and protect themselves

[@lyreparadox]

I wonder if they've done any studies on the genetic diversity of the remaining elephant population? Only having 200 left, means a high possibility of inbreeding and the additional problems that brings.

[@elsa_g]

Love the music btw

[@afergie76]

It saddens me that we humans are causing them to loose their tusks because of poaching. But I am happy that the animals will hopefully be able to repopulate because they are no longer killed for their ivory. Unfortunately, another animal will more than likely be placed on the poaching list. That poaching list is already to big.

[@AlternativPerspectiv]

You had me at 0:18!

[@rcpmac]

Dominique is remarkable as is the story.

[@kristinetaulbut4975]

Fascinating video

[@AndrewDavis-sj6mb]

IDK, how many but I saw documentaries on 🐘s like this one.

[@ElementalWildfire]

Wow! That's super interesting. I wonder if it's actually an ok evolution. They are protected now but politics change and parks are not forever.

[@al3xa723]

Great video, but some spots the song doesn't fit the vibe of the video and it's a little funny. I dunno.

[@SupLuiKir]

What about species that have benefited from the presence of human civilization?

[@akeem2752]

Great video.... But uh, is Dominique spoken for 😅😅😅😅???

[@TheBalkanTeaParty]

Very awesome!

[@africanexplorermagazine]

You should do Tsavo Tuskers next

[@jaik9321]

Good video, excellent voice

[@mosledge]

It's such a good reminder to hear why the little details aren't so little. Glad @BeSmart directed me to watch this!

[@uhadme]

Same way humans reshaping the climate, truly a remarkable specie. Thanks for saving the ones you drove to near extinction.

[@sagesufferswell]

I would love to sing with him. Humanity is incredible in It's power. Imagine if we used it for good.

[@TheSkystrider]

Mind blowing

[@luzbarrett-hayes1746]

They are so beautiful ❤❤❤

[@qwertyuiopgarth]

The trapping of beaver in North America is another example of human-caused ecological change.

[@Sabotage_Labs]

Yea... its amazing we played a part in changing the ecosystem but... people forget... we are animals too and part of the ecosystem. Just because we have the ability to reason... it's surprising just how often we don't use this ability!

[@XOguitargurlOX]

Elephant maintenance ❤

[@Yupppi]

Absolutely incredible or absolutely disastrous, depends how you want to look at it.

[@danl.2626]

I feel so sad for the elephants. they are my fav animals in the world.

[@gizmothepiefaceman3062]

He was literally thinking of this the other day

[@MentallyRetardedHamilton]

Human power to change geologic time holds a lot of gravity.

[@slartibartfast7921]

It speaks to our power, but also our consequent responsibility.

[@user-eq8in2xw6y]

Humans are such amazing beings. Obviously messed up but objectively insane that we can cause the most powerful land animal to adapt to us

[@voornaam3191]

This man is singing. I bet when he always sings being near the elephants, the elephants will recognize him as the singing wild guard. Would this help one day, say, when his truck does not start, and elephants hear him singing? Ah, it is him, don't worry!

[@aartur1254]

I really like the concept of this series.

[@wailingalen]

Dominique is so beautiful!! 😍

[@cw4608]

I was watching a different show about antlered/horned animals and it was found the makes are producing smaller antlers and horns. It is thought this is a reaction to big game hunters going for trophies.

[@Margoth195]

This video is not surprising. A reduction in American Bisson size after their near-eradication has also been observed as hunters often sought after the biggest, thus selecting for smaller bison.

[@nareshkumarhk]

You should checkout tuskless elephants from Sri Lanka and North east regions of India where this have already happening in a larger population.

[@mvmlego1212]

Here from PBS Space Time. The concept behind this video was good, there was plenty of beautiful cinematography, and the parallel between the elephants' gene and humans' was interesting. However, because of the distracting editing, visual effects, and audio effects, and because the educational component of the video was quite drawn out and repetitive, I don't plan to watch additional videos from PBS Terra unless one really catches my eye.

[@crystalharris7394]

I 💖💖💖 elephants.

[@tgreezyable]

Dominique 😍

[@karlbryant7478]

Thank goodness for people with morals and stick to their beliefs and thankful that nature finds a way to maintain what the terrible greed in man has tried to take away

[@kenjiro2676]

8:09 does this mean that their population is now bottlenecked? Wouldn’t it be a good idea to introduce new bulls/females to the population?

[@stuffynosepatrol]

Everything is always evolving, this is not surprising.

[@unseenbirb3247]

what a cute giant dog

[@filipinokiller]

Such a beatiful lady inside and out.

[@purplecouch4767]

That’s super messed up. Humans never should have done that. However it was kind of interesting to watch.

[@Tripskull]

The Anthropoce Extinction Event is a better description, unfortunately.

[@flamesniper126]

Like they say, life finds a way

[@olafelsberry420]

I’m assuming a bit but I’m assuming that the elephants without tusks were not hunted for ivory.

[@dino_drawings]

We love some easy to see evidence of evolution, Too bad it’s due to such an unfortunate situation…

[@saimandebbarma]

Not only elephant every species is evolving with time in a natural way which needs time that varies depending on the species & environment they are in & with us or humans if we help the process becomes little faster that's it & if not we can effect their evolution in a negetive way which then or could lead to extinction. Means being an intelligent species on earth our roles & actions matter ! ☝️

[@eastexotic]

Can Asian and African elephants interbreed? If so, would the hybrid species be more resilient to environmental pressures?

[@damnitimp8269]

We may not be the strongest and fastest species on the planet, but we are the most intelligent. And intelligence comes with the awareness that only we have the power to take care of others-animals, plants, oceans, etc.

[@dmarks0630]

I'm glad the elephants can have tuskless genes that they can survive human's poaching for the tusks.

[@jamesalanstephensmith7930]

Wow

[@ReiseLukas]

In short Nature isn't a glass ball. It may have taken hard hits by human influence but it will adapt and survive. Just as Nature is adapting to us, we should adapt to it as well

[@kmcsciguy]

@besmart sent me to check this out

[@cenedraleaheldra5275]

With out tusks how will the vegetation change. Knocking down trees will not happen?

[@Primarch359]

Eons sent me