Movement-Initiation

Engaging in behaviors that successfully initiate a group movement or collective action. Movement-Initiation is typically the role of older elephants.

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

This behavioral constellation includes the following behaviors: Coalition-Rumbling, Ear-Flap-Slide, Ear-Slap, Lets-Go-Rumble, Trunk-Sweep, Walk-Wait and occurs in the following context(s): Attacking & Mobbing, Avoidance, Movement, Space & Leadership

Movement-Initiation

Context: Avoidance (1)

The F family has heard our vehicle and are acting Apprehensive and Vigilant. gf0034 is seen with a J-Trunk, Listening, and Head-Swinging, her head raised and turning from side to side. The camera pans left to gf0033 and tuskless gf0035 who is also Listening and steps forward with a Walk-Wait. Then the camera pans back to gf0033 who Ear-Slaps and gives an Ear-Flap-Slide and Initiates-Movement for a Full-Retreat of family further from us.

Note that as gf0033 walks to gf0035 she has an Open-Mouth indicating she is vocalizing, but there is no audio and we are too far away to hear. In another view again she Ear-Slaps initiating further retreat. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)

Movement-Initiation

Context: Avoidance (2)

The I family is Bunching. Isabella, gf0038, is on the left. She shows J-Trunk and Head-Swinging and then Touch-Self x 2. There is apprehension in the group. We then see iJunia gf0005 Initiate-Movement at the back of the group with a mild Ear-Slap and all including gf0038 turn to follow her - it is as if they have been Waiting. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)