Giraffes, with their towering stature and graceful movements, are often perceived as quiet inhabitants of the savanna. However, giraffes do produce a range of sounds. Their vocalizations play a role in their interactions.
The Sounds of Giraffes
Giraffes produce a variety of sounds. One intriguing vocalization is the low-frequency hum, primarily observed at night. Researchers have documented these nocturnal hums, which occur at a frequency of around 92 Hz, placing them at the lower end of human hearing. The specific purpose of these hums remains an area of ongoing research, but they are distinctive for their harmonic and sustained nature.
Other distinct sounds include snorts and hisses, often produced by blowing air through their nostrils. Snorts are short, guttural sounds, while hisses involve a sharp, forceful expulsion of air. Moans and growls are also part of their acoustic repertoire, though less frequently heard.
Young giraffes, or calves, are more vocal than adults. They commonly make bleating or “mewing” sounds, particularly when communicating with their mothers or expressing needs. Other documented sounds include coughs, grunts, and whistle-like cries.
Why Giraffes Make Sounds
The sounds giraffes produce serve various communicative functions within their social structure. Snorts and hisses act as alarm or warning signals, alerting other herd members to potential danger. These sounds can accompany behaviors like foot stamping or neck shaking, indicating agitation or a perceived threat.
Moans and growls are associated with distress or agitation. They may be heard when a giraffe is uncomfortable, such as when approached too closely by humans or other animals. Male giraffes also make “coughing” sounds to attract females during courtship.
Mother giraffes and their calves use vocalizations to maintain their bond and communicate needs. Female giraffes may bellow or produce whistle-like sounds when searching for their young or calling them back. Calf bleats and mews signal hunger, fear, or a desire for attention from their mothers. The nocturnal hums are theorized to be a form of contact call, helping giraffes stay connected and locate each other in the dark when visual cues are limited.
Beyond Vocalizations: Other Communication Methods
Giraffes communicate through non-vocal cues. Body language forms a significant part of their communication system. Subtle neck movements, head bobbing, and tail flicking can convey various messages, from alertness to submission. For instance, an upright neck signals dominance or awareness, while a lowered neck indicates relaxation or respect.
Facial expressions, particularly ear positioning, also provide insight into a giraffe’s mood. Forward-pointing ears suggest interest, while pinned-back ears indicate annoyance. Male giraffes engage in “necking,” a form of sparring to establish dominance and social hierarchies. Physical contact, such as nuzzling or rubbing, is important for bonding, especially between mothers and calves.
Chemical communication, though less visible, plays a role in giraffe interactions. Giraffes possess scent glands on their feet and other areas, allowing them to leave chemical signals as they move. These scent markers convey information about an individual’s identity, territorial boundaries, and reproductive status. Males may perform a “flehmen response”—curling their upper lip—to detect pheromones in female urine, indicating readiness for mating.