Elephants Use Unique Names to Communicate, Study Reveals

New research shows African elephants employ name-like calls to address one another, reflecting complex social structures and intelligence.

Researchers at Colorado State University and partners studied elephant vocalizations over four years.
The study found elephants use arbitrary sounds as names, similar to human language.
Machine learning confirmed elephants' calls were not mere imitations but unique identifiers.
Elephants responded more readily to calls specifically meant for them, indicating recognition.
The findings suggest elephants' communication abilities are more advanced than previously understood.