Grasp-Branch-Break-with-Tusk

Grasping a branch with the trunk and pulling it downward over a tusk and, simultaneously lifting the head and tusk upward to break the branch. This behavior is not acquired until an elephant has sizeable enough tusks; likely begins in adolescence or early adulthood.

References: Douglas-Hamilton 1972: ch 7. (Full reference list)

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

Grasp-Branch-Break-with-Tusk

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (1)

A young male grasps a branch with his trunk, draws it down toward his tusks and uses his right tusk to break the branch. He drops his trunk down and then places the trunkful of vegetation into his mouth. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Grasp-Branch-Break-with-Tusk

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (2)

A male reaches into an Acacia tree full of weaver nests, grasps a branch, pulls it down and breaks it with his tusk. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Grasp-Branch-Break-with-Tusk

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (3)

f0256 grasps a branch and uses tusk to break it off. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Grasp-Branch-Break-with-Tusk

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (4)

A male reaches into an Acacia tree full of weaver nests, grasps a branch, pulls it down and breaks it with his tusk. He repeats this 5 times, knocking down one nest. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Grasp-Branch-Break-with-Tusk

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (5)

Big Mama stretches up and grasps a branch and pulls. She appears to use her tusk but ultimately the branch breaks from the strength of her pulling. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)