Who needs to pay for a boxing match when we have footage of what you’re about to see? Being immersed in nature is one of the greatest joys of being alive. A group of tourists get the chance to witness a once-in-a-lifetime moment where two animals get along.
The video begins with a herd of elephants enjoying a relaxing day in the sun when a rhino is spotted nearby. These two animals are not particularly friendly in the wild, like lions and elephants.
©Johan W. Elzenga/Shutterstock.com
Elephants, especially adolescent males, often kill rhinos. This may have something to do with competition for food. Rhinos are territorial and only slightly social. In grasslands, they live in groups and occupy their territories with cleverly arranged manure piles.
Males use their large size and horns to fiercely defend their territory. Elephants, on the other hand, are not territorial. However, they protect each other, which is likely what led to the confrontation seen below.
Balancing Act
We started seeing elephants walking towards rhinos with a big log on their backs! While that’s impressive, the action has only just begun. The rhino charged at the elephant, then stopped abruptly, as if to warn him.
Rhinos are capable of defending their territory, but they are rarely aggressive unless cornered. Rhinos like to forage in peace and seclusion. However, if they perceive a threat, they are allowed to charge in self-defense. Female rhinos usually give their cubs the utmost attention.
Instead of scaring the elephant, the gentle giant picks up a log and throws it at the rhino! The elephant’s trunk has two nostrils that run the length of the nose and serve as both the nose and upper lip expansion.
Elephants use their trunks for a variety of purposes including breathing, handling objects, scratching itchy eyes or ears, and even as snorkels when exploring in the water. The folks at the safari park are clearly interested in the fight. Luckily for them, it was over before things got too intense!
The rhino’s horns are nearly 20 inches long and are composed of finely woven keratin. The horns can grow back after breaking off, but it takes time. Even with the tough skin of an elephant, rhino horn can cause considerable damage when used as a dangerous weapon. We can only hope that these two ferocious animals reach a level of understanding and respect before continuing on their own journeys.
next
- Watch elephants fight crocodiles to the death
- Giant crocodile attacks elephant in broad daylight
- Epic Battles: Grizzly vs. Rhino
- See ‘The Dominator’ – the world’s largest crocodile, as big as a rhino
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
