Dusting

Using the feet to kick and loosen earth and then the trunk to scoop it up and throw and blow it over the body.

References: Douglas-Hamilton 1972: 84 illustration. (Full reference list)

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

Dusting

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (1)

A 6 month old female calf is learning to dust. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Dusting

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (2)

Ruby's ~ 18 month old calf is learning to dust. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Dusting

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (3)

An adult male has a wound on his right flank. He is using his trunk to Dust the wound. Dusting is typical behavior of elephants with wounds. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Dusting

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (4)

Little E is 6 weeks old and Little E seems to be learning to acquire Dusting behavior. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Dusting

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (5)

An aggregation of elephants Dusting in evening light in slo-mo. Notice the coordination between trunk and foot. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Dusting

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (6)

A group of elephants Dusting. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Dusting

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (7)

A young male stands Resting and Dusting under a tree. In slo-mo. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Dusting

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (8)

Juvenile female, Knubben, stands Dusting. Filmed in slo-mo - note the coordination of trunk and foot. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Dusting

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (9)

A group of males near an estrous female stand around Dusting as they Wait for an opportunity. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Dusting

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (10)

A male near an estrous female stand around Dusting as he Waits for an opportunity. (Amboseli, Kenya)