Grasp-Tail

Using the trunk to briefly grasp the tail of another. This is perhaps most commonly observed during social play, but males may sometimes grasp the tail of an estrous female, and mothers may hold the tails of their infants apparently to get their attention.

References: Moss 1988; Poole 1996: p 274; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Advertisement & Attraction, Affiliative, Calf Nourishment & Weaning, Calf Reassurance & Protection, Social Play