In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that elephants possess the remarkable ability to invent and use individual names to communicate with one another. This finding marks the first time that non-human animals have been observed using names that are not based on imitation.

The study, published on Monday, involved an international team of researchers who utilized an artificial intelligence algorithm to analyze the calls of two wild herds of African savanna elephants in Kenya. The results revealed that elephants not only use specific vocalizations for each individual, but they also recognize and react to calls addressed to them while disregarding those intended for others.

Lead study author Michael Pardo, a behavioral ecologist at Colorado State University, stated, "This indicates that elephants can determine whether a call was intended for them just by hearing the call, even when out of its original context."

The researchers analyzed elephant "rumbles" recorded between 1986 and 2022 at Kenya's Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park. Utilizing a machine-learning algorithm, they identified 469 distinct calls, with 101 elephants issuing a call and 117 receiving one. It was observed that names were often used over long distances and when adults were addressing young elephants. Furthermore, adults were found to be more likely to use names compared to calves, suggesting that the learning of this naming skill may take years.

The most common call identified was described as a "harmonically rich, low-frequency sound," as stated in the study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution. Interestingly, when elephants were played recordings of their friend or family member calling out their name, the animals responded positively and energetically. However, they showed far less enthusiasm when played the names of other elephants.

Unlike parrots and dolphins, which imitate the sound of a recipient, elephants demonstrate a distinct ability to invent "arbitrary" names for each other. This suggests that humans and elephants are the only animals known to possess this highly cognitive skill.

"The evidence provided here that elephants use non-imitative sounds to label others indicates they have the ability for abstract thought," commented senior study author George Wittemyer.

The researchers have called for further investigation into the evolutionary origin of this remarkable talent for name-calling, considering that elephants diverged from primates and cetaceans approximately 90 million years ago.

Highlighting the similarities between humans and elephants, Frank Pope, CEO of Save the Elephants, noted, "Despite our differences, humans and elephants share extended family units with rich social lives, underpinned by highly developed brains. That elephants use names for one another is likely only the start of the revelations to come."

This groundbreaking study sheds new light on the intricate communication system of elephants and opens up a fascinating realm of exploration into their cognitive abilities. As researchers delve deeper into this phenomenon, it is hoped that further discoveries will shed light on the evolutionary significance of this unique skill.