Giraffes: Silent Communicators with a Secret Hum
For years, people assumed giraffes were mostly quiet creatures, their long necks giving them little room to make much noise. However, recent research has unveiled that giraffes actually communicate through low-frequency humming, particularly at night.
The Discovery of Giraffe Humming
In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Vienna, over 947 hours of audio recordings from three European zoos revealed that giraffes produce a distinct humming sound. This vocalisation is characterised by a low-frequency, harmonic structure that varies in duration.
Characteristics of Giraffe Humming:
- Frequency: Averaging around 92 Hz, within human hearing range but on the lower end.
- Timing: Primarily observed at night.
- Structure: Harmonic and sustained, often compared to a creaking ship.
The Purpose of Humming
While the exact function of giraffe humming is still under investigation, researchers have proposed several theories:
- Social Bonding: The hums may help maintain cohesion within the herd, especially when vision is limited at night.
- Communication: These vocalisations could convey information about age, gender, dominance, or sexual arousal.
- Contact Calls: Humming might serve as a way for separated giraffes to keep in touch.
Challenges in Studying Giraffe Vocalisations
The discovery of giraffe humming was not easy. Several factors made this research challenging:
- Infrequency: Acoustic communication in giraffes appears to be rare.
- Timing: The humming occurs primarily at night, making observation difficult.
- Low Volume: The sounds are often too quiet for humans to hear easily.
Implications for Giraffe Conservation
Understanding giraffe communication is crucial for conservation efforts. As Angela Stöger, the study’s senior author, notes, “Compared to other species, we know very little about giraffe communication and behaviour in general.” This newfound knowledge of their vocal abilities could provide insights into their social structure and needs, potentially aiding in protection strategies.
The Humming Trait in GRFF Ordinals
In the GRFF Ordinals collection, the humming trait is captured by a giraffe with pursed lips and a musical note. This trait reflects the quiet way giraffes communicate. Just as giraffes hum to stay connected in the wild, GRFF Ordinals link collectors to a bigger purpose—raising awareness and being part of a global network focused on protecting these incredible animals and their environment.
Nic Scarce
WandrLust Co-Founder
Citations:
- Nocturnal “humming” vocalisations: adding a piece to the puzzle of giraffe vocal communication
- Giraffes Spend Their Nights Quietly, Constantly Humming
- Giraffes spend their evenings humming to each other
- Giraffes Caught Humming in the Midnight Hour
