Captive Asian elephants use and modify tools to effectively reduce the number of flies biting or landing on them, according to a UC Davis researcher. "The behavior appears to represent a classical example of animal tool use, as well as a behavioral adaptation to control parasitic flies," says animal behaviorist Dr. Benjamin Hart, a professor in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. By using leafy branches, banana stalks, bark from vines, grass, and burlap cloth for switches, the elephants reduced the flies on and around them by nearly one-half during the swarmiest time of the day. Hart and colleague Lynette Hart recorded an average of 186 switches to the body in 10-minute periods when flies were most intense. Hart will present his research in a general poster session on Sunday, July 25, in the Wellman Courtyard, 7-9 p.m. (Note: Black-and-white photos and color slides are available.)