Thermoregulatory-Ear-Flapping

Slow, rhythmic, sustained flapping of the ears as the elephant continues with normal feeding, resting or other activity. This form of ear-flapping is used to help regulate the body temperature. The warmer it is the more consistent and sustained the ear flapping becomes.

References: Poole & Granli 2021. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Foraging & Comfort Technique, Maintenance

Thermoregulatory-Ear-Flapping

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (1)

Elephants Thermoregulatory-Ear-Flapping on a hot afternoon. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Thermoregulatory-Ear-Flapping

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (2)

Elephants Thermoregulatory-Ear-Flapping on a hot afternoon. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Thermoregulatory-Ear-Flapping

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (3)

Members of the I family engaged in Thermoregulatory-Ear-Flapping on a hot afternoon. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)