Listening to Elephants
Elephants are an extremely important species, both biologically and
economically. They’re known as a "keystone" species because of their
significant influences on other animals and on African and Asian terrestrial
ecosystems.
Economically, elephants contribute enormously to national
revenues generated through ecotourism. However, elephant populations have
declined dramatically over the last two hundred years. They continue to face
many pressures, including forest fragmentation, human population expansion, weak
park management, and the ongoing trade -- mostly illegal -- in ivory and ivory
products.
Being large mammals with slow growth rates and long gestation periods, elephants are acutely affected by these threats.
IFAW is collaborating with the Bioacoustics Research Program (BRP) at Cornell’s Laboratory of Ornithology on an Elephant Listening Project. This groundbreaking work records elephants' low-frequency "infrasounds," or rumbles, which are inaudibule to human ears.
Through this research, we hope to establish a baseline population for these forest elephants, which have traditionally been difficult to monitor, and thus ensure their continued protection through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
IFAW also works to save elephants by establishing habitat protection programs, funding anti-poaching patrols, and providing resources for park infrastructure improvements.
Being large mammals with slow growth rates and long gestation periods, elephants are acutely affected by these threats.
IFAW is collaborating with the Bioacoustics Research Program (BRP) at Cornell’s Laboratory of Ornithology on an Elephant Listening Project. This groundbreaking work records elephants' low-frequency "infrasounds," or rumbles, which are inaudibule to human ears.
Through this research, we hope to establish a baseline population for these forest elephants, which have traditionally been difficult to monitor, and thus ensure their continued protection through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
IFAW also works to save elephants by establishing habitat protection programs, funding anti-poaching patrols, and providing resources for park infrastructure improvements.
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This photo of Tess and Kate illustrates a physical interaction between two
female elephants greeting. The audio clip above is taken from the actual meeting
documented in this photo
Photo © Elephant Listening Project
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Protecting future generations of elephants -- this infant is resting in its mother's shade -- is one of the goals of the Elephant Listening Project Photo © Elephant Listening Project
