Elephants use various methods to mark their territory, including:
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Vocalization: Elephants use low-frequency rumbles and trumpets to communicate their presence and boundaries to other elephants in the area.
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Scent marking: Elephants have specialized glands on their cheeks that secrete a substance known as temporin. They will rub their cheeks against trees, rocks, or the ground to leave their scent behind.
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Visual markers: Elephants may break branches, uproot trees, or create piles of vegetation to visually mark their territory.
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Dung piles: Elephants will create dung piles in strategic locations within their territory. These dung piles act as a visual and olfactory signal to other elephants.
These methods help elephants establish and maintain their territories, communicate with other elephants, and reduce conflicts over resources.