Elephant AWARE BEHaVIOUR It is important to respect and understand elephants. Being familiar with elephant behaviour can help avoid possible dangerous interactions. The loss of elephant habitat due to the expansion of human settlement and agriculture is forcing more interactions between humans and elephants.
4 ZONES OF PERSONAL SPACE Observing elephant behaviour THE CRITICAL ZONE
THE WARNING ZONE
THE ALERT ZONE
THE COMFORT ZONE
1. THE COMFORT ZONE - Elephants may be relaxed In this zone, the elephants remain relaxed and may go on with their activities. It is almost as if you are not present. Here, the elephants do not feel threatened. Even if elephants are calm and unaware of your presence, do not approach them. They can be unpredictable if you startle them and can charge at you at any time. Keep a safe distance when chasing off elephants from farms.
Credit: ‘Understanding Elephants’ by The Elephant Specialist Advisory Group, 2017, and Elephant Safety Manuals from Elephant Human Relations Aid
There are four zones of elephant personal safety. Be mindful of what you should do when you find yourself in any of these zones.
Always stop at a distance of 70 to 80 meters from the elephant when you are walking home.
2. THE ALERT ZONE – Elephants may be cautious The elephants are aware of your presence. They may pause and interrogate their surroundings. They may raise their trunks to smell or stop their feeding. It is important you stay calm and quiet and don’t make sudden movements.
Within all these zones, you should remain quiet and stay calm.
Smelling or looking at you.
1.
Slowly walk away in the opposite direction.
Listening.
Touching the face or ear.