Presentation Details
| Do Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) wait for a larger or better food reward in a delay of gratification task? Hoi-Lam Jim1, Joshua M.Plotnik2, 3, Danielle Wood4, Thitiphong Chintanawong4, Shinya Yamamoto1. 1Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan.2Hunter College, City University of New York, New York City, NY, USA.3CUNY Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York City, NY, USA.4Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai, Thailand |
Abstract
Self-control is crucial for social interactions and decision-making, and has been linked to better success, cooperation, and problem-solving in humans. One way it can be assessed is by examining the ability to delay gratification. Given elephants’ social complexity and problem-solving abilities, they may also demonstrate delayed gratification. However, as generalist and opportunistic feeders, they may favour immediate rewards over delayed ones. We tested a total of eight captive female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand in two intertemporal choice tasks. First, we examined whether they would prefer a sooner, smaller reward or a later, larger reward; second, whether they would prefer a sooner, low-quality reward or a later, high-quality reward, with wait times of 2, 4, 8, 13, and 18 seconds. In the experimental condition, rewards differed in quantity or quality, while rewards were equal in the control condition. We will report results from this study, conducted over two phases in 2024 and 2026. These findings may contribute to our understanding of the evolution of self-control across human and nonhuman animals.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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