Research in Kenya shows that elephants use unique names for communication.
In a fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and elephant behavior, a study unveiled how elephants communicate with individual names. The research, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, involved African savannah elephants in Kenya monitored using Elephant Voices software to analyze their calls. Over four years of observation and tracking in Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park, the experiment captured 469 distinct calls or "rumbles" from the elephants.
It was discovered that elephants exhibit a sophisticated social network, with intricate hierarchies and interactions among individuals. Notably, the study hinted at elephants using a call-and-response communication system, particularly observed in matriarchs initiating rumbles within the herd. These interactions suggested the existence of unique identifiers or names in the elephant rumbles, akin to human recognition methods.
The study's methodology involved recording both audible and infrasonic elephant sounds, with specialized equipment deciphering the distinct rumbles. Artificial intelligence software identified specific names within the rumbles, indicating the presence of names in a significant portion of elephant communications. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend all aspects of the elephants' communication system.
Compared to other animals like dolphins and parrots, elephants are unique in their use of individual names for communication without imitation. The findings shed light on the intricate communication systems of non-human animals, showcasing the complexity of elephant interactions and social behaviors. Additionally, recent research on sperm whales revealed their use of a "phonetic alphabet" in click sounds, highlighting the diverse communication mechanisms within the animal kingdom.
Source: ALJAZEERA
ALJAZEERA MEDIA NETWORK