Combined Field Test Summary
Field trials of SYLVATICA Bioprotect™ were conducted across multiple sites, including a main dam and two waterholes, over 30-day and 60-day monitoring periods. Treated trees were exposed to repeated elephant activity under varying environmental conditions, including multiple rainfall events.
Overall Elephant Activity
Across all sites, regular elephant presence was recorded, with herds visiting treated areas multiple times throughout the monitoring periods. Cumulatively, more than 40 elephant visits were documented across all trial locations. Elephants approached, investigated and moved on - leaving treated trees intact.
Impact on Treated Trees
Across all sites and all trial durations, 100% of treated trees showed no severe damage. In the vast majority of cases, no damage at all was observed. Only one minor tusk scrape was recorded at one of the waterholes during a 30-day trial, with no escalation or repeat damage thereafter. No bark stripping, pushing, breaking, or feeding damage was recorded on treated trees at any site.
Deterrent Performance and Durability
SYLVATICA Bioprotect™ maintained strong deterrent performance throughout the observation periods. The repellent remained effective despite multiple rainfall events, including heavy rainfall exceeding 25 mm in a single event at several sites. No reduction in deterrent effectiveness or increase in tree damage was observed following rainfall, indicating good product persistence and durability under field conditions.
Overall Effectiveness
All trial sites concluded with a final deterrence rating of 100% effectiveness. Despite frequent elephant visits and prolonged exposure periods, treated trees were consistently avoided as feeding or damage targets. No treated trees required replacement or re-treatment during the trial periods.
Conclusion
When results from all sites are considered together, the field trials clearly demonstrate that SYLVATICA Bioprotect™ is highly effective in deterring elephant interaction with treated trees. The product performed consistently across different locations, tree coverage methods, elephant activity levels, and weather conditions, supporting its suitability for broader application in elephant-tree conflict mitigation.
Unintended positive effects
As a result of the field trials, several unintended yet positive outcomes were observed
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Vulture nesting habitats remained intact, as treated trees were not damaged or destroyed by elephant activity, supporting the preservation of critical nesting and roosting sites.
Protective mesh wiring around trees is no longer necessary, as elephant deterrence was achieved without physical barriers. This reduces the risk of injury to other wildlife, particularly leopards, which have been known to sustain injuries when climbing trees fitted with mesh wiring around the bark.