Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa

While the African elephant bulls are fighting, their trunks twist around each other. Both are in identical positions with their back legs stretching and holding firm in the ground.

copyright Anette Mossbacher, 17 July, 2023

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This photograph was captured with a Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and a lens. The following settings were used:

  • Aperture: ƒ/6.3
  • Exposure time: 1/3200s
  • ISO: 640
  • Focal Length: 600mm

The original photograph has the following dimensions: 5379 by 3586 pixels (WxH).

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While the African elephant bulls are fighting, their trunks twist around each other. It is almost as if they are participating in dance or kiss. Both are in identical positioning, with their back legs stretching and holding firm in the ground to give them the best leverage in the fight. Ultimately, the symmetry on both sides of the elephants photograph creates a balanced composition. There is a contrast between the browny-yellow terrain, the calming, and the clear blue skies. Even though the scene looks calmed serene, an elephant bullfight is not.

Elephant Fight

Elephants can be killed or fatally injured when they take part in a fight. If African elephant bulls are fighting, it is most often during their musth period. This is when they are at their behavior is at its most aggressive and temperamental. The word ‘musth’ is actually from the Hindi for ‘madness’ and is a periodic state at which testosterone levels may peak up to 60 times higher than usual.

African elephants, Loxodonta africana, are listed in the category vulnerable of the IUCN list.

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1 comment for African Elephant Bulls Fighting

  1. Lucy

    As always, an excellent photo 🔥🔥

    • Anette Mossbacher

      The elephants had their fun. Thanks so much, Lucy.

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