We constructed a deterministic, females-only age-structured
matrix model (Caswell, 2001) with 60 1-year age classes using
previously reported age-specific survival and fecundity rates for
female Asian elephants (Sukumar et al., 1998). We estimated
fertility rates for age class i (Fi) using a post-breeding census
formulation, as the product of the age-specific survival (Pi) and
fecundity mi rates, i.e. Fi = Pi mi. We then parameterized a population
projection matrix using Pi and Fi. Population growth rate
(dominant eigenvalue, k), stable age distribution (right eigenvector,
w) and reproductive value (left eigenvector, v) were estimated
as per Caswell (2001).