Check-Tusk

Using the tip of the trunk, or its fingers, to feel the individual’s own tusk. Typically employed by adult males after a clash of tusks during an Escalated-Contest or Sparring match and appears to check to ensure the tusk is not damaged.

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

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Aggressive, Ambivalent, Attentive, Social Play

Check-Tusk

Context: Ambivalent (1)

Young male gm0032 is reacting to our presence. He is Ear-Spreading, sniffing us Trunk-Toward. He studies us and then Check-Tusk. Notice how carefully he touches his own tusk. Then he turns and Retreats-From us. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Check-Tusk

Context: Ambivalent (2)

Young male, gm0032, is standing close to our vehicle. Before the start of the clip he gets a fright and does a Head-Dip. Then he Check-Tusk x 2. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)