Yes, you read that right! Like you and me, our elephant friends call each other with different names for each individual. This is what scientists discovered who observed two herds of elephants in their natural habitat in Kenya, Africa. But how is this possible? I’ll explain it all to you!
Did you know that? Elephants are also called “pachyderms”. This is because they have very thick skin. In Greek, “pachy” means thick and “dermis” means skin!
Carl, the elephant…?
Unfortunately, you won’t find an elephant with the same first name as you. That’s because their names are more of a grunt. In fact, scientists have noticed that elephants use a special growl to communicate with each individual!
Elephants can hear these sounds over very long distances in the savannah. They can recognize them and respond when a call is aimed at them, but they ignore those addressed to others. It’s a bit like if your name is Carl, and someone shouts “LEA!” » You wouldn’t turn around either!
A difficult sound to master
It is mainly adult elephants that use these calls. Scientists think this is because it is very difficult to make these sounds and takes years of learning.
Elephants, special animals?
Elephants are very social animals. Just like humans, these giant gray mammals talk and touch each other constantly. Scientists believe that it is this behavior that allowed them to develop this ability to communicate!
And elephants aren’t the only animals to give each other names! Parrots and dolphins, for example, are two species that also use specific sounds to communicate with their mates.
By Marilys Beaudoin
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