Elephants often use dirt as a form of protection by dusting their bodies with it. This behavior, known as “dust bathing,” serves several purposes. The dust helps to create a protective layer on their skin, shielding them from the sun’s harmful rays and acting as a natural sunscreen. Additionally, the dust can help to repel insects and parasites that may bother the elephants. Dust bathing also serves a social function, as elephants often engage in this behavior together, fostering social bonds within the group. It’s a remarkable example of how animals use their environment in creative ways to meet their needs.

Botswana