Grasp-Tail

Using the trunk to briefly grasp the tail of another. This is perhaps most commonly observed during social play, but males may sometimes grasp the tail of an estrous female, and mothers may hold the tails of their infants apparently to get their attention.

References: Moss 1988; Poole 1996: p 274; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Advertisement & Attraction, Affiliative, Calf Nourishment & Weaning, Calf Reassurance & Protection, Social Play

Grasp-Tail

Context: Advertisement & Attraction (1)

An adult male tests Arora B Trunk-to-Genitals and then sniffs her anus and then continues to Grasp-Tail as she tries to walk away. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Grasp-Tail

Context: Advertisement & Attraction (2)

An adult male tests allomother Arora B Trunk-to-Genitals and then Grasp-Tail. She Kicks-Back at him and walks forward, while he still holds her tail, and then backward to come between the male and Angelina's newborn twin. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Grasp-Tail

Context: Social Play (1)

A family group is on the move. A four-year-old female playfully grasps the tail (Grasp-Tail) of the 1.5 year old male in front of her as they walk along. The playful nature of her action can be seen in her Head-Waggling and slight Exaggerated-Walk she engages in after she gently Pushes him. A Grumble-Rumble can be heard, but it does not seem to come from the little male in view. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Grasp-Tail

Context: Social Play (2)

A four year old female is browsing when a older than two year old male calf grasps her tail after playfully Pushing her. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Grasp-Tail

Context: Social Play (3)

Two adolescent males at play, one Runs-After the other who Runs-Away. The pursuer Grasps-Tail of the other and Tusks him as they run. The fleeing male Tail-Swats him. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Grasp-Tail

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (1)

Little E is 2 days old and is searching for the breast at wrong end of allomother, V-Notch. She reaches her trunk back to touch him. He continues to search for the breast and she reaches back and touches his genitals and then Grasps-Tail as if to get his attention. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Grasp-Tail

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (2)

Little E is 4 days old and is standing with his mother Mama Little E. He appears to plan to Push on her trunk, but Mama Little E moves it and instead holds his tail (Grasp-Tail) at one point she appears to be sniffing his anus. Then she touches him gently around his mouth (Trunk-to-Mouth) and then touches his genitals (Trunk-to-Genitals). (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Grasp-Tail

Context: Affiliative (1)

The Mabenzi family is walking along. A small male calf eating vegetation, drops it and then reaches Trunk-to-Mouth of juvenile male. At the same time a juvenile female in front is Tail-Swatting the juvenile male. The Juvenile male scoops up the tail of juvenile female with his tusk and holds it there in a kind of Grasp-Tail - though instead of using his trunk he scoops it up with his tusk. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)