News: Researchers from Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru studied Asian elephants in Bandipur and Mudumalai National Parks (Southern India). They recorded elephant sounds for 2 years in different places like forests, grasslands, and water bodies.
About Asian Elephants’ Trumpeting and Vocal Communication
Findings of the study:
- Elephants produce 4 key types of sounds:
| Type of Sound | What it Sounds Like | When it is Used |
| Trumpets | Loud, high-pitched | Social play, excitement, conflicts |
| Roars | Deep, loud sound | Distress, calling for attention |
| Rumbles | Low, vibrating sound | Contact with other elephants |
| Chirps | Short, high-pitched sound | Friendly communication |
- Asian elephants trumpet for many reasons, including: Social play, Excitement and Conflicts (fights) between elephants or groups.
- Researchers checked if age and sex (male/female) affect sounds.
- Younger elephants: Higher-pitched sounds to get attention.
- Older elephants: Lower-pitched sounds for the same reason.
- Males and females: Trumpet sounds were similar across ages.
- Calves (baby elephants) use loud roars like their African elephants to get adults’ attention and show emotions (hunger, fear, etc.).
- Asian elephants sometimes mix sounds (e.g., roar + rumble).
- These combination calls may mean: Keeping in touch with the herd and signaling danger or disturbance.
