Giraffes, with their towering stature and distinctive spotted coats, are among the most recognizable animals on Earth. Often perceived as silent, giraffes actually produce a variety of sounds, a fact increasingly documented by researchers. This article explores the sounds giraffes produce and what these vocalizations convey.
Dispelling the Myth of Silence
The popular belief that giraffes are silent is a long-standing misconception. This myth likely originated because their vocalizations are often infrequent, subtle, or occur at frequencies not easily detectable by the human ear. Their anatomy also contributes; the sheer length of a giraffe’s neck introduces biomechanical challenges for producing loud, sustained sounds. Researchers initially speculated that giraffes might communicate using infrasound, similar to elephants. However, studies have shown that their sounds are generally within the audible range for humans, though sometimes at the lower end.
The Surprising Sounds of Giraffes
Despite their reputation for quietude, giraffes produce a range of distinct sounds. They have been observed making snorts, which are sharp, forceful expulsions of air through the nostrils, often sounding abrupt. Hisses are also part of their vocal repertoire, created by forcibly exhaling air, resulting in a sharp, sudden noise. Additionally, giraffes can produce low-pitched grunts, described as short, guttural sounds, and soft moans or grumbles, which are typically subtle expressions.
One of the most notable and recently documented vocalizations is a low-frequency hum, often referred to as “night hums.” These hums have a frequency of approximately 92 Hz, which is audible to humans, though quite low. Researchers recorded these harmonic, sustained, and frequency-modulated hums primarily during nighttime hours in captive giraffes. While less common, some observations also include bleats, mews, coughs, and even whistle-like cries, particularly from younger giraffes.
The Language of Giants: What Giraffe Sounds Mean
Giraffe vocalizations serve various purposes, often linked to specific behaviors or situations. Snorts and grunts frequently function as warning signals, alerting other herd members to perceived danger or threats. Hisses, on the other hand, are typically defensive mechanisms, intended to deter predators or rivals, and are sometimes accompanied by aggressive body language. Female giraffes might also hiss to reprimand their young or encourage them to stay close.
Moans and grumbles generally indicate distress or irritation, such as when a giraffe feels too closely approached. During courtship, males have been noted to make sounds similar to human coughing to attract females. Female giraffes communicate with their offspring through low bellows or whistling sounds, which can carry over long distances to help them locate their calves. The mysterious nighttime humming is theorized to be a form of contact call, helping giraffes stay connected within the group when visibility is limited, or potentially even related to snoring or sleep-talking.