Using the distal portion of the trunk to tuck a branch between the base of the trunk and a tusk, to store the item for later ingestion. The elephant may continue to feed on other items while he or she carries the branch. This technique appears to be used to prevent others from eating the branch. Typically observed among older adults, in which the gap between trunk and tusk is small enough to hold a branch successfully.
References: Poole & Granli 2021. (Full reference list)
This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Foraging & Comfort Technique