Researchers from Colorado State University and the University of Colorado have published a study in the scientific journal Nature that sheds light on the unique communication system used by elephants. The study, which was based on observations of two wild herds in Kenya, found that elephants use specific vocalizations for each individual and can recognize and respond to a call directed at them while ignoring those directed at others.
The study, led by Dr. Michael Pardo of Colorado State University, used recordings made by Save the Elephants association in Kenyan reserves to identify 469 different calls, including 101 elephants that made a call and 117 that received one. These calls range from loud trumpets to murmurs that humans cannot hear. The elephants assign arbitrary names to each other, similar to how humans do, rather than imitating the sounds produced by the other elephants.
Professor George Wittemyer of the University of Colorado, who supervised the study, stated that these findings suggest that elephants have a capacity for abstract thinking. The study also found that adults are more likely to use these calls than young elephants, indicating that the ability to pronounce names requires years of training. The social behavior of elephants may have favored the development of this communication capacity.
The calls, usually emitted in the form of grunts, are more common at a distance and when adults communicate with young elephants. The study suggests that elephants’ highly social behavior plays a significant role in their communication abilities. The observations about elephants in the study highlight their cognitive abilities and showcase the complexity of their communication system.
Overall, this research provides valuable insights into how elephants communicate with each other and underscores their remarkable cognitive abilities. It also has implications for conservation efforts as understanding these animals’ communication systems can help us better protect them and their habitats.
In conclusion, this new research has shed light on an area previously unexplored by scientists – how elephants communicate with each other using specific vocalizations for each individual. This discovery highlights not only their complex social behavior but also their cognitive abilities. As we continue to learn more about these magnificent animals’ communication systems, we can better understand how they interact with each other and how we can protect them from harm.