African elephants call each other by unique names, study shows
Researchers tested results by playing recordings to individual elephants, who responded more energetically to recordings that contained their names.
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African elephants call each other and respond to individual names – something that few wild animals do, according to new research.
The names are one part of elephants’ low rumbles that they can hear over long distances, researchers said.
Scientists believe that animals with complex social structures and family groups that separate and then reunite often may be more likely to use individual names.
“If you’re looking after a large family, you’ve got to be able to say, ‘Hey, Virginia, get over here!’”, said Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm, who was not involved in the study.
