Roll-Tree

Placing the base of the trunk, or the head, against a fallen tree and, using the entire body to push against it, rolling it over and away, so as to expose the longer, greener grass and forbs that have grown in its shade. This behavior is seen more frequently in the dry season, when long, green grass is scarce, and in places where elephants have previously felled medium-sized trees. Roll-Tree is predominantly observed by adults due to the strength required to move the fallen trees.

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

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

Roll-Tree

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (1)

Despite her young age Knubben shows she is an expert at rolling trees and exposing long green grass. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Roll-Tree

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (2)

Beautiful Roll-Tree technique used by f0254 to move a tree out of the way to access tall green grass. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Roll-Tree

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (3)

Once again f0254 uses a Roll-Tree technique to move a tree out of the way to access tall green grass. Notice how her calves come running. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Roll-Tree

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (4)

A young female from Pat Derby’s family Rolls-Tree and begins feeding on the exposed lush green grass. Other members of her family quickly make their way to her side and wait for a chance to graze. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)