Trunk-Flick-Down

In a rapid movement, the distal portion of the trunk is curled up and around in a whorl and then flicked downward. Sometimes the whorl is omitted and only the flick-down is exhibited. Often associated with an exhale of breath. We do not have enough information on the contexts in which this behavior occurs, although we believe that it may be related to scenting and/or ambivalence.

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

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Advertisement & Attraction, Ambivalent, Attentive, Social Play, Vigilance

Trunk-Flick-Down

Context: Vigilance (1)

The C family is crossing the track ahead of us and is looking Apprehensive. gf0029 walks with her Chin-Up as she does a Trunk-Flick-Down. Note that she has a newborn with dislocated hip. This calf was still alive in 2019 and both in this clip and in 2019 holds her ears very high and stiff - we believe in a signal of pain. So sad. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Trunk-Flick-Down

Context: Vigilance (2)

gm0015 is walking in an Apprehensive way and has been stopping to Look-Back. Then he stops to Listen. As he begins to walk again he gives a Trunk-Flick-Down and continues. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)