Forward-Trunk-Swing

A swinging or tossing of the trunk in the direction of an adversary typically while simultaneously blowing forcefully out through the trunk. Elephants may swing their trunks at other elephants or at smaller animals (e.g. egrets; ground-hornbills; warthogs, people) as a threat, to chase them away, or in play. Forward-Trunk-Swing may be employed by all age sex groups.

References: Kühme 1961; Douglas-Hamilton 1972: ch 6 [Forward-Trunk-Swish], 100; Poole 1987a; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2004, Poole & Granli 2011; O’Connell-Rodwell et al 2011 [Trunk throw]. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Aggressive, Attacking & Mobbing, Conflict & Confrontation, Social Play

Forward-Trunk-Swing

Context: Attacking & Mobbing (1)

Valente, gf0013 on the right initiates a Group-Advance, which is taken over by Mwana Nzo, the tuskless, who Charges at us at the lead of the group. Note her Forward-Trunk-Swings at us. Someone is giving Trumpet-Blasts. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Forward-Trunk-Swing

Context: Attacking & Mobbing (2)

Valente, gf0013, leads a Group-Charge. As she Charges she lowers her head and drags and bounces her trunk along the ground in a Trunk-Bounce-Drag and ends with a Forward-Trunk-Swing. Each Forward-Trunk-Swings is associated with what she intends to be a Trumpet-Blast, though it comes out as more of a Snort. She returns to her family and they Bunch together and vocalize. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Forward-Trunk-Swing

Context: Attacking & Mobbing (3)

Mwana Nzo, gf0016, Charges at us at the lead of the group. Note her Forward-Trunk-Swings at us. Someone is giving Trumpet-Blasts. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Forward-Trunk-Swing

Context: Attacking & Mobbing (4)

A family group is by the KH4 Waterhole and are worried about the pod of hippos resting on the bank at the elephants' favorite 'beach'. The adult females have been Standing-Tall confronting the hippos who won't budge. Then a teenage male arrives (circled) and marches to the front and joins an adult female. He, too, is wary, Foot-Swinging. He approaches cautiously and Forward-Trunk-Swings at them. They still don't move. He backs off to Contemplate. Then he tries again, swinging at them. He reaches out and touches one of them and gets a fright and the elephants give up and depart. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Forward-Trunk-Swing

Context: Aggressive (1)

A juvenile male (left) and an adolescent male (right) stand facing one another. The juvenile male is interested in what the older male is doing and reaching Trunk-Toward him. It looks as if he may be Soliciting-Food.

The older male threatens him first Ear-Folding and then stepping forward with a Forward-Trunk-Swing, Slapping him hard with his trunk. The younger male Backs-Away a little. But then he approaches again and extends his Trunk-Toward the older male who Forward-Trunk-Swings at him a second time. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Forward-Trunk-Swing

Context: Aggressive (2)

A couple of families have met and are bathing in a pool. As the elephants begin to depart the female on the left Ear-Folds and Advances-Toward a female from another family who Retreats-From and disappears from view. We see the aggressor pause and Orient-Away and then Orient-Toward and stand with Chin-Out in an aggressive posture as if she is receiving a counter threat. She continues Advancing-Toward and then suddenly turns and Runs-Away, splashing into the water as a third, larger female Charges into view, Forward-Trunk-Swings and Trumpet-Blasts at her in threat. This larger female is likely the matriarch, mother or close ally of the second female. The female who was chased back into the waters waits with J-Trunk and then turns and follows the others out of the water. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Forward-Trunk-Swing

Context: Social Play (1)

A little interaction between two adolescent elephants as a group of elephants engages in play. A tuskless female runs in from the left, while and adolescent male turns to look at the elephant who has chased her. As she begins to move in his direction he turns and Forward-Trunk-Swing at her with the other elephant by his side. She Retreats-From. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Forward-Trunk-Swing

Context: Social Play (2)

Three calves are playing in a little mud wallow depression. One Forward-Trunk-Swings twice at an egret, a typical playful activity of calves. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Forward-Trunk-Swing

Context: Social Play (3)

Two young males are facing off in play a deep pool. They look at one another. The one on the right with one tusk is younger and smaller, but on higher ground. He is a bit apprehensive, Chin-Out in anticipation and standing with his trunk curled under, sometimes in or touching his mouth. The male on the left Forward-Trunk-Swings at him repeatedly, occasionally making small Lunging movements. Then he Backs-Away and collapses into the water. (Amboseli, Kenya)