We went electronically to see some doctors at Stanford University, the American Institute of Physics, and Cornell University, and after getting hosed down by them, we come to you today to talk about the Elephant Listening Project and the science of acoustic communication. This is terrific stuff, and humbles us once again about how little we know. And so, apparently, do other elephants - using their toenails to sense messages sent from as far as 20 miles away. They may be communicating at far greater distances than we thought. This notion of long distance communications by the elephants is central to their lives and this study effort.
People use high frequency radio transmissions to communicate over long distances.
Elephants use low frequency seismic and vocal sounds to do so. Quinn said that by studying separate groups of elephants in Africa, India, and in captivity in Texas, the Stanford researcher found indications that elephants have a highly developed set of seismic signals, creating ground vibrations both through their vocal calls, which create a low level rumbling, and by stomping their feet in mock charges. Other animals, ranging from certain types of moles and seals to insects, fish, and reptiles, are known to use seismic signals to find mates, locate prey or establish territories. But the elephants' methods of seismic communication appear to be more complex, and travel far greater distances. A study done on elephant behavior in Angola indicates that a thirsty elephant herd was detecting and moving toward a thunderstorm 100 miles away.