Allo-Check-Tusk

Using the tip of the trunk, or its fingers, to feel the tusks of another elephant. Typically observed between males during Sparring when they appear to examine the size, length sharpness of combatant's tusks.

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

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

Allo-Check-Tusk

Context: Social Play (1)

Two adult males, gm0016 and gm0049 are Sparring. The sequence includes the following behaviours as part of the Sparring: Trunk-Twining, Reciprocal-Trunk-to-Mouth, Trunk-to-Mouth, Allo-Check-Tusk (both to the other several times), Touch-Self, Touch-Trunk-Tips. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Allo-Check-Tusk

Context: Social Play (2)

Two calves are standing on opposites side of a tree Pushing on it in a prelude to a Sparring match. The younger calf reaches up to check the tusk of the older calf - Allo-Check-Tusk. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)

Allo-Check-Tusk

Context: Affiliative (1)

Two young males have been Sparring. One of them goes over to greet an older male who has arrived nearby. The younger male initiates with a Trunk-to-Mouth x 2 and then touches his own face in a Touch-Self. He briefly touches the end of the other male's tusk (Allo-Check-Tusks) and equally briefly touches his own tusk - Check-Tusk. He repeats a longer Allo-Check-Tusk and then reaches up to examine the older male's face Trunk-to-Face as the older male reciprocates with a Trunk-to-Mouth. The younger male jerks his head upward and then examines the older male’s face touching gently over his eye and then reaches Trunk-to-Ear oriface and holding it there momentarily. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)