Musth and urinary testosterone concentrations in the African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

Abstract

Urine samples were obtained from free-ranging African elephants that were considered to be in and out of musth. Testosterone concentrations, measured by radioimmunoassay were significantly greater in males that were in or around the time of behavioural musth. This study supports a correlation between the observed behavioural characteristics of musth and urinary testosterone levels.