African elephants call each other by unique names, new study shows

New research indicates that African elephants use individual names to call each other, a behavior rare among wild animals. These names are part of their low-frequency rumbles that can travel long distances across the savanna. Such naming is thought to be more likely in animals with complex social structures. The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, used machine learning to analyze elephant vocalizations recorded in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park. The computer model correctly predicted which elephant was being addressed 28% of the time, compared to 8% with meaningless data. Elephants responded more energetically to recordings containing their names, indicating recognition. This ability to use names likely enhances their social communication, as noted by researchers Mickey Pardo of Cornell University and George Wittemyer of Colorado State University.

Source – CGTN