Freezing

A sudden cessation of all movement by an individual or group of individuals, holding stock-still, apparently Listening or perhaps feeling distant vibrations. Individuals may begin very slow moving of the head from one side to another - Head-Swinging - presumably to localise sound. When concerned about predators elephants may hold motionless, other than Head-Swinging, for a period of 5-60 seconds, when they are presumably using all of their senses to locate the source of disturbance. Freezing is most often initiated by an older member of the group. Others follow her/his lead, even if she or he might be bringing up the rear of the group.

References: Douglas-Hamilton 1972: ch 6; Moss 1988; Langbauer et al. 1989; Poole & Granli 2003; O´Connell-Rodwell et al 2006; Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavioral constellation includes the following behaviors: Chin-Up, Ear-Spreading, Ears-Stiff, Head-Swinging, J-Trunk and occurs in the following context(s): Attentive, Vigilance

Freezing

Context: Vigilance (1)

In slo-mo, gf0034 and calves are moving away. gf0034 stops and Freezes momentarily - her Foot-Lifted, Ears-Stiff and Head-Swinging. Her calves continue walking. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Freezing

Context: Vigilance (2)

gf0070 and her family are moving away. gf0070 is still alert she stops Freezing with Ears-Stiff, Chin-Up, J-Trunk and then continues. She raises her trunk in a Periscope-Trunk. This is followed by the same from her daughter. Then a bit further on they all Freeze, gf0070 with Chin-Up, Head-Swinging. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Freezing

Context: Vigilance (3)

Provocadora, gf0012, is walking when she seems to detect our presence. She stops, turns to face us, Ear-Spreading and then Freezing. She draws herself up to full height, Chin-Up, Listening, before lowering her head and continuing on. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Freezing

Context: Vigilance (4)

The Mabenzi family are departing after a Group-Advance on us. Valente is leading the family. She stops Freezing, Ears-Stiff, Chin-Up and then Initiates-Movement again. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Freezing

Context: Vigilance (5)

After a Group-Advance on us, the Mabenzi family is in retreat and are moving out onto the floodplain, when they Freeze, Head-swinging, Ears-Stiff, Chin-Up. The camera catches them in mid-freeze then Valente takes a step backward as if preparing to walk and a young female behind begins the movement. A Procession follows. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Freezing

Context: Vigilance (6)

In slo-mo: After much contemplation Corajosa, gf0054, Head-Shakes and Advance-Toward us and then Stand-Tall facing us and considering us - She Freezes - Ear-Spreading, Ears-Stiff, Head-Swinging - Listening. She then turn and walk away Initiating-Movement. She is followed by Bullet, gf0032 and gf0152 and 6 calves. They walk about 30 paces and then Freeze and Listen, Ears-Stiff. They stand for some time and then take another 10 paces before Corojosa Freeze again, Listening after she Back-Toward Bullet. All Freeze, Ears-Stiff, Corojosa with Open-Mouth. Finally gf0152 Initiate-Movement and they leave. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Freezing

Context: Vigilance (7)

Matriarch Nalakite (tuskless female), her family and associating males are walking up an incline through Faidherbia woodland. Nalakite takes up the rear position in the group. We hear the sound of cattle bells meaning that Maasai and their livestock are in close proximity. Nalakite exhibits Tail-Raising and then Freezes and Listens in an alert posture with her Chin-Up as we hear guinea fowl alarm call. The camera pans forward to show that the others ahead of her have stopped, too - though they have begun to relax and there is some movement starting. (Maasai Mara Kenya)

Freezing

Context: Vigilance (8)

The F family are moving away from us into the forest. gf0035 a large tuskless adult female stops suddenly - Chin-Up, Ears-Stiff, and Head-Swinging - Freezing and Listening. The others Freeze with her. Then they begin Ear-Flapping again as they relax. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)