Dig-Minerals

Using a combination of feet and tusks to loosen or dig up mineral-laden-soil and the trunk to transfer soil to the mouth for ingestion.

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

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

Dig-Minerals

Context: Foraging & Comfort Technique (1)

Very nice scene with a lot of behavior as Gina and family and a couple of young males dig for minerals. Notice how the elephants Kneel-Down and Tusk-Ground to loosen the mineral rich soil and then use the fingers of their trunk-tip to Pluck the chunks of soil from the ground. (Maasai Mara, Kenya)