Elephant Voices

Their communication and interests

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Contact call video clip

Category: Elephant Video | Date: Nov 30 2007 | By: admin

Hi All

While preparing for our next field trip to Amboseli I am also trying to check out the different options on wildlifedirect. In the field office activities are more of a challenge, and our internet-connection not fiber-optic superspeed-like, so it makes sense to get to know wildlifedirect before we’re in the bush. I have uploaded a video sample from our collection of elephant vocalizations to YouTube - you can read more about our future vocalization database on ElephantVoices here.


The clip shows what we call a Contact Call. Elephants use Contact Calls to keep in audible contact with one another sometimes over long distances. In a sense an interchange of contact calls queries, “I am here, where are you?” and in answer, “I am over here”. Contact calls typically contain a series of at least three calls: The querying rumble by the initial caller, an answer by a second individual and then a confirmation by the initial caller that the answer has been received. Other nearby family members may also add their voice to the second or third phase of the series. Read more about Contact Calls here.

Cheers, Petter

3 Responses to “Contact call video clip”

Sheryl, Washington, DC, on 30 Nov 2007

That was very cool! Is flaring their ears part of the call?

s.

F. J. PECHIR, on 30 Nov 2007

Thank you for this report! Elephants in all parts of Africa need protection and studies like yours give most needed information about this species, and help in their conservation. Looking forward to know more about your work!

ElephantVoices, on 01 Dec 2007

Hi Sheryl!
Great that you like it! Most rumbles are associated with ear flapping, but we’re not certain about the function. We do believe it’s connected to the production of sound, though, and with a powerful sound comes an intense ear flapping. P

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