Attain-Higher-Ground

An elephant threatening another (elephant or non-elephant) by climbing up a bank, onto an anthill or termite mound, or by standing on a log, to appear taller and larger. From its vantage point, the elephant Stands-Tall, Ear-Spreading, and looks down at its rival or perceived threat. All age/sex groups may engage in Attain-Higher-Ground.

References: Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavioral constellation includes the following behaviors: Chin-In, Chin-Up, Ear-Spreading, Head-High, Kick-Dust, Look-At and occurs in the following context(s): Aggressive, Conflict & Confrontation

Attain-Higher-Ground

Context: Aggressive (1)

Two males are in a confrontation and one has advantage in height standing above the other on the bank of the swamp. He Stands-Tall, Head-High, Chin-In, Ear-Folding, Looking-At his rival. Twice he starts to depart and the lower male threatens him and he returns to Kick-Dust. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Attain-Higher-Ground

Context: Aggressive (2)

During an Escalated-Contest Tee-Jay Advances-Toward Gordon and climbs a termite mound to Attain-Higher-Ground. He Stands-Tall and does a Head-Toss. Gordon Looks-At him and Backs-Away. They stand there. Tee-Jay comes down and they circle around and swamp places. Gordon climbs the same mound to Attain-Higher-Ground and Reaches-High and then backs down. (Amboseli, Kenya)