Etosha Elephants

[Flutterby]

They are such beautiful creatures.

[Dewi]

Glad you are enjoying these.

BJ, elephants use what's termed the "periscope-sniff" when detecting a scent on the air. They lift their trunks up in an S-shape to detect faint scents or odours on the wind. Another is the "sniff-toward" where the trunk is held straight at whatever they want to smell. I will post examples later, but I'm sure you will have them in your collection of pics somewhere as well.

[Dewi]

Dust bathing is a common practice amongst elephants. Why they do it is not entirely clear, but it appears to aid in a number of ways.

Keeping cool when the temperature rises during the heat of the day.

The dust acts as a sunblock.

It keeps insect and parasite numbers in check.

It can also act as a social interaction which may aid herd cohesion - dusting activity is often carried out by several individuals at the same time.

[Toko]

Dustbathing also aids to photographers' happiness, Dewi

[Flutterby]

Like talcum powder after a bath!

[Richprins]

Is THIS finally your Trip Report, Dewi!?

[Dewi]

Is THIS finally your Trip Report, Dewi!?

Only the ellie section of it RP.

I've got lot's more of these Toko. They were a joy to watch.

With specially adapted applicator Flutt's.

[Dewi]

The little one decided to join it's mum hoping for a free dust bath.







But mum was only pampering herself today.

[Mel]

Awww, lovely again!

[Lisbeth]

Wonderful and interesting pictures, Dewi