Step-On

Using a forefoot or forefeet to step on or stand on another. This behavior is primarily observed during Social Play where an individual may prevent another from moving forward by stepping or standing on him or her. Young elephants may also place weight on a individual who is lying down by stepping or standing on him or her. The individual lying down is typically older.

In the context of Death, elephants often engage in touching (Explore-Touch-Foot and Explore-Touch-Trunk) or Mounting a body, and it is likely that they may also Step-On the body, although we do not have examples of such behavior.   

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

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Death, Social Play

Step-On

Context: Social Play (1)

Two adolescent males are playing. The one behind is Pushing and Tusking the one in front. The male in front Kicks-Back at the one behind. The male in front Runs-Away while the male behind Run-After. Catching him, the pursuer Tusks him several times and forces him down, whereupon he pins him down by Stepping-On his leg. He Reaches-Over as if to mount the trapped male, but he manages to get up and away. The game begins again. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)