Giraffes, with their towering stature and distinctive spotted coats, are iconic animals of the African savanna. Many people commonly believe giraffes are silent, but this is a misconception. They produce a variety of sounds, though often subtle and not easily detected by human ears. While generally quiet, their vocalizations serve specific purposes in their social lives.
The Range of Giraffe Vocalizations
Giraffes produce a range of sounds, including snorts, coughs, moans, and grunts. Low-pitched grunts and snorts serve as warning signals, especially when sensing alarm or threat. Calves make bleating or mewing sounds, particularly when seeking attention from their mothers.
Nocturnal humming is another giraffe vocalization. Researchers have recorded these deep, sustained hums, typically occurring at night at approximately 92 Hz, which is at the lower end of human hearing. Beyond audible sounds, giraffes are believed to use infrasound, low-frequency sounds below the range of human hearing (20-40 Hz). These low-frequency sounds can travel long distances, potentially aiding communication across vast open spaces.
Why Giraffes Make Sounds
Giraffe vocalizations serve various functions within their social structures. Snorts, grunts, and hisses indicate danger or distress, alerting other giraffes to threats. Mothers may hiss to reprimand their young or encourage them to stay close, enhancing calf protection from predators. During mating season, male giraffes make a sound similar to a human cough, possibly to attract females.
Nocturnal humming suggests a purpose related to maintaining group cohesion. These hums might allow giraffes to stay in contact when visual communication is limited, such as during darkness. While the exact meaning of all giraffe sounds is still under study, these vocalizations contribute to their social dynamics and survival.
Understanding Their Perceived Silence
The common belief that giraffes are silent stems from several factors, including the infrequency and low volume of their vocalizations. Their impressive height means their trachea, the windpipe connecting lungs to the voice box, is exceptionally long, creating a challenge for generating sufficient airflow and pressure for loud sounds.
Additionally, some giraffe sounds, particularly infrasound, are outside the range of human hearing. This makes studying their full vocal repertoire challenging, often requiring specialized recording equipment capable of detecting these low frequencies. The combination of infrequent audible sounds, low volume, and inaudible frequencies contributes significantly to their reputation as “silent giants.”