Trunk-Toward-Carcass

Using the trunk to point toward or sniff toward the body or bones of a dead elephant. The trunk is held relatively straight and pointed in the direction of the carcass. While the assumption has been that this behavior indicates that the individual is sniffing, we believe that the behavior may, sometimes, serve a visual signalling function, as in drawing the attention of others to the carcass. All age/sex groups engage in Trunk-Toward-Carcass.

References: Douglas-Hamilton & Douglas-Hamilton 1975, Douglas-Hamilton et al 2006, Goldenber & Wittemyer 2019, McComb et al 2006, Moss 1988, Payne 2003, Poole 1996, Sikes 1971. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Death