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African elephants use unique calls to identify each other, much like human names: study

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that elephants may use unique sounds to call each other by name. This finding, published on June 10 in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, suggests that elephants possess a level of social intelligence previously unconfirmed in non-human species.

The research, conducted by Mickey Pardo, a behavioural ecologist at Cornell University and formerly of Colorado State University, involved African savannah elephants in Kenya. The study took place in Amboseli National Park and Samburu National Reserve, where around 100 elephants were observed. Utilising a machine-learning model, the researchers identified what they described as “name-like components” in the various sounds elephants make.  

African elephants use unique calls to identify each other, much like human names: study
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The revelation that elephants use these unique sounds to address individual members of their group is a significant discovery. Elephants have long been recognised for their intelligence, often ranked just below humans. However, this study provides evidence of a specific social behaviour that was previously attributed only to humans and perhaps a few other advanced animal species.

According to Reuters, Pardo’s team found that elephants had a strong response to calls directed specifically at them. This behaviour indicates that the elephants understood and responded to their “names,” highlighting the complexity of their social interactions.

“The fact that elephants address one another as individuals highlights the importance of social bonds and specifically, maintaining many different social bonds – for these animals,” Pardo told Reuters.

Also Read: Elephants Display Astonishing Intelligence In Video, But A Subtle Detail Sparks Mixed Reactions

African elephants use unique calls to identify each other, much like human names: study
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This discovery not only underscores the cognitive abilities of elephants but also emphasises the importance of social structures in their communities. The ability to recognise and respond to individual calls could play a crucial role in maintaining the social cohesion necessary for survival in the wild.

Also Read: Elephant’s Reaction To Bumping Into Sleeping Dog Goes Viral, Internet Says Elephants Are ‘Cuties’

Elephants are already known for their strong familial bonds, memory, and problem-solving skills. This new evidence of individualised communication adds another layer to our understanding of these remarkable creatures.

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