To their surprise, the elephants also called each other by name

Researchers used artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze the calls of two herds of savanna elephants in Kenya. As a result, they discovered that elephants call each other by the names they give to their own species.

Besides humans, elephants are the first animals to use names that do not involve imitation.

Michael Pardo, lead author of the study, said they found that elephants use specific sounds for each individual and that they recognize and respond to their own calls, while ignoring other calls.

This means that elephants can determine whether the call is for them or not.

The research team used data recorded at Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park in Kenya from 1986 - 2022, which were elephant rumbles to conduct the study. After using machine learning algorithms to analyze the data, they identified 469 unique calls, of which 101 elephants emitted the calls and 117 received the calls.

Research shows that elephants do not always use names to call each other. They often call by name when they are at a great distance from each other and when adult elephants call baby elephants. In addition, adult elephants also tend to use names more than baby elephants. This shows that elephants need many years to learn this special skill.

Elephants responded positively and enthusiastically when researchers played recordings of elephants calling to family members. But that elephant did not react much when the call was directed to another elephant.

According to the research team, this shows that elephants, like humans, have the ability to name each other, instead of just copying the sounds of the receiving party.

David Pac

Update 12 June 2024