Nose-Picking

Holding the end of the trunk over the tip of a tusk and twisting the trunk back and forth. Observed only among elephants with tusks with tips slender enough to insert in a nostril.

References: Poole & Granli 2021. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Attentive, Foraging & Comfort Technique

Nose-Picking

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (1)

V-Notch places her nostril over the end or her tusk appearing as if Nose-Picking, although we do not believe that this is its function. She is attentive. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Nose-Picking

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (2)

A female places her nostril over the end or her tusk appearing as if Nose-Picking, although we do not believe that this is its function. She is Attentive. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Nose-Picking

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (3)

While her family Drinks, a female stands by and places her nostril over the end or her tusk 'Nose-Picking'. She is Attentive. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Nose-Picking

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (4)

Estrous female Qadija stands near her mother. She engages in Nose-Picking - likely a Displacement-Activity as she is surrounded by males and being Guarded by Pascal. (Amboseli, Kenya)