Periscope-Trunk

Lifting and holding the trunk up in an S-shape. This posture is used in many contexts: Most well-known is the apparent adoption of this stance to detect scents carried on the wind, including, for instance, rain or predators. In this Attentive context Periscope-Trunk is particularly used when meeting strangers, potential dangers or if additional information is required. The assumption has long been that this is a form of sniffing (and originally referred to as Periscope-Sniffing), though we believe that it is also a signal - as in a ‘pay attention’ or ‘heads up.’

An exaggerated form of Periscope-Trunk referred to as a Trunk-Sweep is further used in Defensive situations as lead individuals appear to use the sweeping movement to galvanise members of their group into a Coalition to confront a threat. The adoption of Periscope-Trunk is also observed in Aggressive/Submissive, Social Play or other expectant situations, as an individual pauses with the trunk up in a periscope or S-shape waiting for a partner's next move. In this context it was first named ‘Distant-Frontal-Attitude’.

As two individuals approach one another with intent to Spar, or intent to Duel, one or both may raise the trunk above the head and curl the tip toward the other individual. In a Calf Nutrition & Weaning context, calves adopt this posture as they approach their mothers to Solicit-Suckling. This behavior is observed in all age sex groups except Calf Nutrition & Weaning in which restricted to infants, calves and juveniles.

References: Kühme 1961; Kühme 1963 [Distant- Frontal-Attitude]; Rasmussen & Schulte 1998; Poole 1987b; Poole, 1996: 134; Payne 1998; Rasmussen 1998; Poole 1999a; Rasmussen 1999a Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2004 [Distant-Frontal-Attitude & Periscope-Sniff]. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Advertisement & Attraction, Attentive, Calf Nourishment & Weaning, Coalition Building, Social Play, Submissive, Vigilance

Periscope-Trunk

Context: Attentive (1)

This is an example of a family cueing into the sound of a male pushing over a palm tree and trying to ascertain more information via sniffing. A young male has just pushed over a palm tree - which they heard (the downed tree is on footage earlier). The felled tree is on the other side of the pan behind us and the Mabenzi family are considering how to get there without coming too close to us. After much Periscope-Trunk and considering Valente leads them to the right, while others start to go to the left. In the end all follow Valente, with matriarch Provocadora bringing up the rear (followed by a young male). They have made a wide arc to avoid us. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Periscope-Trunk

Context: Attentive (2)

This is an example of a family cueing into the sound of a male pushing over a palm tree and trying to ascertain more information via sniffing. A young male has just pushed over a palm tree - which they heard (the downed tree is on footage earlier). The felled tree is on the other side of the pan behind us and the Mabenzi family are considering how to get there without coming too close to us. After much Periscope-Trunk and considering Valente leads them to the right, while others start to go to the left. In the end all follow Valente, with matriarch, Provocadora bringing up the rear (followed by a young male). They have made a wide arc to avoid us. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Periscope-Trunk

Context: Attentive (3)

A family group is moving while feeding as they cross a plain dotted with Faidherbia drepanolobium. They appear relaxed. A five year old female calf adopts a Periscope-Trunk as she walks and this is immediately followed by a second adolescent elephant just in view on the left who also raises her trunk. The appear interested in something ahead of them, but not necessarily the filmmakers. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Periscope-Trunk

Context: Attentive (4)

These young males have lagged behind a Group-March led by Matriarch, Selengei. They appear eager to catch up with the others in the Group-March and their Periscope-Trunk seems to be more about locating the group than concern over the location of Maasai and their livestock. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Periscope-Trunk

Context: Attentive (5)

A family group is drinking at a small waterhole. An adolescent male stands facing the filmmakers. He adopts a Periscope-Trunk but appears curious rather than vigilant. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Periscope-Trunk

Context: Attentive (6)

The Mabenzi family are walking eagerly (with a bouncy gait) toward water. Many are displaying Periscope-Trunk. Periscope-Trunk is often associated with anticipation. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Periscope-Trunk

Context: Attentive (7)

Mwana Nzo, gf0016, adopts a Periscope-Trunk as she walks eagerly toward water. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Periscope-Trunk

Context: Attentive (8)

Rui, gm0008, is in musth and is Tracking. He adopts a Purposeful-Walk as he snakes his trunk back and forth as he Sniffs-Ground following a scent trail. He does a couple of Trunk-Bounce-Drags and displays Periscope-Trunk. He appears to catch a scent and stops dead in his tracks. He displays Foot-Swinging and then abruptly changes course and continues Tracking. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)