Elephants Elephants - Wildpro - Twycross Zoo

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Seismic waveforms from vocalisations are detectable up to distances of 16 km
and up to 32 km for locomotion generated signals (e.g. foot stomp). This
would explain phenomena like a thunderstorm in Angola triggering elephants
in Namibia to move north and an elephant cull leaving a herd 50 km away
tense and agitated (Marchant 2001). Histology of the trunk-tip suggests that it
is specialised to pick up vibrations and it is possible that elephants can also
pick up vibrations through the feet (Marchant 2001). However there is still
some doubt as to the validity of these ideas although it remains a fascinating
possibility (Langbauer 2000). Another possible communication channel is the
recently discovered ear discharge from African elephants which may have a
function in olfactory communication (Riddle et al 2000).
PLAY
Play in young includes head to head sparring and trunk wrestling, mounting,
charging and rolling. Calves tend to play with others close to them in age and
calves over six months of age may form play-groups (Eisenberg and Lockhart
1972). Females, particularly juveniles, frequently play with young calves.
PREDATOR PROTECTION
Although adult elephants are immune from most predators (except humans)
elephant calves are subject to predation from lions, tigers and hyenas.
Elephants exhibit group defence against potential predators, with young
animals being protected by adults. The herd may form a cluster with adults
facing the source of danger (Eisenberg and Lockhart 1972). Disturbed
elephants may perform displacement behaviour in between threat displays.
Cows with small calves are more likely to charge and calf distress is
responded to by the mother and other members of the family. Adolescent and
juvenile females play an important role in protecting calves; this has been
shown to be important in calf survival as mortality in the first 24 months is
higher in calves born into families with no allomothers (Lee 1987).
TOOL USE
Elephants exhibit tool use. In the wild this can range from using grass to rub
on the body to scratching the body using a stick (Chevalier-Skolnikoff and
Liska 1993). There are also reports of elephants using branches as fly switches
(Hart and Hart 1994) and of modifying an unsuitable branch so that it became
a useful switch (Hart et al 2001a). This has been observed in both wild and
captive animals. Elephants have been observed to use tools in various
contexts which can be identified as: skin care, feeding and drinking, threat
and aggression, rest and sleep and social interactions (Kurt and Hartl 1995)
and types and variety in use increases with age.