A powerful, relatively long and seemingly sustained, Trumpet lasting 1-1.5 seconds in duration produced when an elephant or group of elephants confronts a predator, or other perceived threat. An individual may Advance-Toward or Charge while Trumpeting. Referred to as a Trumpet-Blast these calls are intended to intimidate, and, typically, Charges that are associated with them end abruptly. Yet, in our experience, it is wise not to assume that a Trumpeting and Charging elephant will not make good her threat.
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We are driving along the Urema Road when we meet the V family. We hear Trumpet-Blasts and see elephants Charging at us through the trees (The trumpet-blast that is shrill is made by a calf). We stop.
Tuskless female, Valda, stands Head-Swinging and Foot-Lifting. Then she begins a Perpendicular-Walk, which appears to be a signal for one-tusked Vigilante to Charge. Vigilante Charges, pauses and Charges again and the others join her in a Group-Charge. There are two Trumpet-Blasts when Vigilante Charges. It is possible to hear the age difference in the frequency of the trumpet. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)
