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A study published in December 2024 explored the vocal communication of Asian elephants.
The researchers studied the elephants' calls based on age, sex, and behavior to understand their vocal range.
The team recorded elephant vocalizations in Bandipur and Mudumalai National Parks, focusing on elephants that moved freely between the parks.
They gathered data over two years, recording calls in different habitats like forests, grasslands, and water bodies.
Elephant Communication
Elephants use various sounds (trumpets, roars, rumbles, chirps) to communicate.
They produce high-frequency sounds (like trumpets) and low-frequency sounds (like roars) to interact within the herd and signal dangers or emotions.
Key Findings from the Study
Younger elephants use higher-pitched calls, while older elephants use lower-pitched calls.
Roars by elephant calves serve to attract attention and signal emotional states, a pattern similar to African elephants.
Trumpet sounds are used in social, play, and conflict situations.
Future Directions
The researchers plan to create an "Asian Elephant Sound Library" to aid scientific research and education.
They aim to further explore elephant vocal communication in both wild and captive settings.
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