Grasp-Break-Branch

Grasping a branch or branchlet with the trunk, pulling and breaking it.

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

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

Grasp-Break-Branch

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (1)

Mature musth male, Gogogo, has felled a tree and elephants have gathered around it including the Mabenzi family and males. One young male pulls a branch down hitting another elephant (no reaction) and pulls it away to feed on it. Others gather around him feeding on their own branches but it looks like some feed on his too. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Grasp-Break-Branch

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (2)

A young male grasps a branch of a tree felled by mature male, Gogogo, and breaks it. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Grasp-Break-Branch

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (3)

A young male reaches into the branches of a Faidherbia albida tree grasps and breaks branches. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Grasp-Break-Branch

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (4)

Adult male gm0041 grasps a branch with his trunk and breaks it off. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Grasp-Break-Branch

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (5)

Young adult male, gm0053, has a chopped trunk caused by a snare injury. Notice how he seems to have a bit more difficulty grasping branches to break off. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Grasp-Break-Branch

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (6)

An adult male reaches high into an Acacia xanthophloea tree and Grasp-Break-Branch. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Grasp-Break-Branch

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (7)

Aloisio reaches high into an Acacia xanthophloea tree and Grasp-Break-Branch. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)