Elephants have been observed deliberately walking in single file or stepping on each other’s footprints. This reduces visible tracks on the ground. The behavior is most common in areas with human threats. Scientists believe it helps conceal herd size and direction. This suggests tactical awareness.
It matters because it shows elephants adapt behavior to avoid detection. They respond strategically to danger.
This challenges the idea that only humans use deception tactics. Elephants modify behavior to manage risk.
Track-concealing behavior increases near roads and settlements. It is less common in protected reserves.
Conservation Biology Journal (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)