Tracking

An elephant persistently following the scent of another, by actively scenting with his trunk, sweeping the ground back and forth and sometimes scanning the air. This behavior is often observed among musth males who may adopt a more directed stride. It may also be observed when an elephant is lost and searching for its family or when an attacking elephant Tracks a person on foot, or a vehicle. Elephants have been known to Track over many kilometres and may leave sweeping snake-like marks upon the ground.

References: Douglas-Hamilton 1972: ch 6; Moss 1988; Poole, 1996: 121, 134, 137; Poole 1999a; Poole & Granli 2003; Poole & Granli 2011. (Full reference list)

This behavioral constellation includes the following behaviors: Periscope-Trunk, Sniff-Ground, Walking and occurs in the following context(s): Advertisement & Attraction, Attacking & Mobbing, Attentive