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: Attacking & Mobbing (1)

Provocadora, gf0012, stands Contemplating us with a J-Trunk and Foot-Lifting. Her calf adopts a Periscope-Trunk as she tries to Solicit-Suckling, but Provocadora has other things on her mind and begins a Purposeful-Walk Advancing-Toward us as she initiates a Group-Advance.

As she walks toward the vehicle the filmakers start the car, she pauses, raises her head and continues to advance as she Ear-Slaps audibly. She pauses again and Look-Back and does a J-Trunk toward the others as if to see whether they are with her and she proceeds toward us with them backing her up in a Group-Advance. (Gorongosa, Mozambique)