Forward-Trunk-Swing

A swinging or tossing of the trunk in the direction of an adversary typically while simultaneously blowing forcefully out through the trunk. Elephants may swing their trunks at other elephants or at smaller animals (e.g. egrets; ground-hornbills; warthogs, people) as a threat, to chase them away, or in play. Forward-Trunk-Swing may be employed by all age sex groups.

References: Kühme 1961; Douglas-Hamilton 1972: ch 6 [Forward-Trunk-Swish], 100; Poole 1987a; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2004, Poole & Granli 2011; O’Connell-Rodwell et al 2011 [Trunk throw]. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Aggressive, Attacking & Mobbing, Conflict & Confrontation, Social Play