Elephants use a variety of vocalizations to communicate, like- trumpeting often shows excitement, alarm, or playfulness, and rumbling, which they use to locate family members, coordinate movement and warn of potential threats.
Elephants produce and perceive infrasound. This allows them to communicate over vast distances (up to 10 km or more). Elephants may use infrasound to warn others of danger and establish social hierarchies and relationships within the herd.
Physical contact is another critical form of communication among elephants. Elephants use their trunks to touch each other in a variety of ways, from gentle caresses to assertive pushes. These gestures can convey affection, reassurance, or dominance.
Body language plays a role in elephant communication, though it's often subtle. Like ear flapping can indicate excitement or agitation. Tail movements can signal an elephant's mood—whether relaxed, alert, or agitated.
Elephant societies are matriarchal, with female-led herds typically consisting of related females and their offspring. These herds are highly cohesive, and communication is essential for maintaining social bonds and coordinating activities.
Elephants demonstrate high emotional intelligence and have been observed mourning the death of a group member, often staying by the body for hours or days, touching it with their trunks which are believed to express sadness.