An Indian Elephant at Salt Lick
Salt Licks are the favorite spots for any animal living in the jungles. These spots contain deposits of salts/minerals such as Sodium, Calcium, Iron, Zinc and Phosphorous etc., which are essential for their growth and to keep themselvesin good health. These animals discover these spots intuitively and visit often whenever there is a need in their bodies.
We happened to witness this female elephant in an early morning at Bandipur, about a few months ago. It was so busy at its task and was least bothered about our presence. We spent around one hour with this animal, taking numerous shots of its varied behavior.
It first loosens the mud with its foot and then carefully sucks the mud containing the salts/minerals using its trunk. It sends the mud into its mouth by pushing the air through the trunk. It was so interesting to see its act as it was creating a smoke around its mouth whenever it was pushing the mud into its mouth.
Shot Using Canon 1Ds Mark III mounted with 70-200 lens.
yes sir.. I really enjoyed…
wonderful image…..
Saravanan S
30 Oct 09 at 9:38 pm
Its a lovely shot. The lighting is so perfect bringing out all the details. The Smoke coming out from its mouth is like steam and looks very interesting.
Information about the Salt Lick is very useful to the viewers.
Sindhu Iyer
31 Oct 09 at 7:39 am
This news (salt lick) is new knowledge to me. Thanks for sharing it with us. I will surely share it with Ujwal along with this picture. The dust smoke has turned out so well too.
Uma
31 Oct 09 at 11:31 am
Timely taken. Wonderful!
pg.nanda
31 Oct 09 at 3:50 pm
nice ne Srini….hv u nt clicked d mud sucking pic….
Vikey
31 Oct 09 at 8:26 pm
B e a u t i f u l !!!
Vijay
31 Oct 09 at 8:48 pm
I appreciate your effort and passion, Once again hatsoff to you sir….
Murali
2 Nov 09 at 9:13 am
I appreciate your effort and Passion. Once again hats off to you sir….
Murali
2 Nov 09 at 9:14 am
It was fun tastic. Smoking tall i should say.
Ark Aarun
2 Nov 09 at 1:18 pm
Woww..one more perfect shot with very good timing… amazing!!
Jinan
6 Nov 09 at 9:36 pm
Srini, good write-up and amazing image. Very informative. I did not know such a behavior.
Rishi
8 Nov 09 at 3:53 pm
Sir – Excellent timing
Muthu
17 Nov 09 at 5:10 pm
This is really amusing how the elephant seems to be so immersed in the task and almost oblivious to those nearby. Fabulous photo, Srini.
Bob Davis
18 Nov 09 at 11:58 am
Dear Srini. First time I see an elephant in a salt pit. See this photo. Even birds like it
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ruslou/3832819839/
Ruslou Koorts
2 Sep 10 at 10:24 am