Elephants communicate using infrasound, which refers to sounds with frequencies below the range of human hearing (below 20 Hz). These low-frequency vocalizations can travel long distances—sometimes up to several kilometers—through the ground and air, allowing elephants to convey important information even when they are far apart. By using infrasound, they can share vital details about food sources, water availability, and potential dangers from predators or other threats, which is crucial for their survival in the wild.
This form of communication not only helps elephants coordinate their movements and social structures but also strengthens their social bonds. Elephants are known to have complex social networks, and their ability to communicate over long distances ensures that family groups remain connected. Additionally, research has shown that elephants can respond to these low-frequency calls even when they are several kilometers away, demonstrating their remarkable sensitivity to sound and the importance of infrasound in their social interactions.