Attain-Higher-Ground

An elephant threatening another (elephant or non-elephant) by climbing up a bank, onto an anthill or termite mound, or by standing on a log, to appear taller and larger. From its vantage point, the elephant Stands-Tall, Ear-Spreading, and looks down at its rival or perceived threat. All age/sex groups may engage in Attain-Higher-Ground.

References: Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavioral constellation includes the following behaviors: Chin-In, Chin-Up, Ear-Spreading, Head-High, Kick-Dust, Look-At and occurs in the following context(s): Aggressive, Conflict & Confrontation

Attain-Higher-Ground

Context: Conflict & Confrontation (1)

Prior to the start of this clip, adult male, gm0040, Aloisio, Advanced-Toward our vehicle and came to investigate us in a mildly threatening manner, reaching his Trunk-Toward us sniffing, and Standing-Tall while Ear-Spreading. Then, as this clip starts, he climbs up a bank to Attain-Higher-Ground, from where he threatens us Standing-Tall (Chin-Up and Ear-Spreading). He Advances-Toward us in a kind of lunging movement, and does a Head-Dip and then he stands Contemplating us. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Attain-Higher-Ground

Context: Conflict & Confrontation (2)

Musth male, Rui, stands Listening and then Advances-Toward us while Ear-Spreading. He walks to a termite mound to Attain-Higher-Ground and Stands-Tall. Notice how he does a Head-Dip-Touch-Ground before going up the mound. On the mound he stands Foot-Lifting before he does another Head-Dip-Touch-Ground and goes back off the mound. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)