17/05/2024
We know that elephants are great communicators. They have specific names for one another and transmit rumbles that connect them over large distances. They bond by placing their trunks in each other’s mouths – to comfort and reassure. Plus, they have elaborate greeting rituals – but not much is known about what the various gestures in their greetings mean. But a recent study has revealed a new level of intent and consideration in their greetings.
The researchers found that elephants greet intentionally and adapt their greetings to what other elephants are doing. For example, if a companion were not paying attention, the elephant would capture their attention by using touch before greeting. Or, if attention were already held, they’d revert to visual greetings only. Not a species for airs and graces, elephants only greet the fellows they know and like (and ignore those they don’t). And the most common form of greeting? Waving. With ears, that is. The combination of ear flapping and rumbling was the most frequently used greeting recorded by researchers. We are still learning to unpack the complex social behaviours of elephants, and every study unveils something a little more fascinating about these sentient beings.
