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  1. Home
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  3. Attain-Higher-Ground

Explore The Behavior

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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.

Media caption

Adult male gm0049 and Large adult female gf0061 engage in a longish bout of Sparring. This clip is a short section of that interaction during which gf0061 climbs up the embankment to Attain-Higher-Ground. Soon thereafter gm0049 follows her to reduce her advantage. Later gf0061 young son follows them up. He is interested in their interaction. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Other examples of the behavior