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

Grasp-Tail

Context: Affiliative (1)

The Mabenzi family is walking along. A small male calf eating vegetation, drops it and then reaches Trunk-to-Mouth of juvenile male. At the same time a juvenile female in front is Tail-Swatting the juvenile male. The Juvenile male scoops up the tail of juvenile female with his tusk and holds it there in a kind of Grasp-Tail - though instead of using his trunk he scoops it up with his tusk. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)