Holding a clump of stubble (typically grass that has been grazed close to the ground by other herbivores) with the fingers of the trunk and rubbing the stubble against the ridges on the underside of the trunk to remove the soil clinging to its roots. Alternatively, holding the stubble in the fingers and rubbing it against the chest, between the fore-legs. The former is a technique that takes experience to perfect. It is regularly employed in the dry season by adults, but we are not sure at what age it is acquired. This technique may also be used with longer grass that is uprooted with soil or dust clinging to the roots.
Young male, gm0006, is feeding on grass. He grasps a clump in his trunk and then rubs it and flicks it against the underside of his trunk to remove the excess dirt before putting it into his mouth. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)
