Gentle giants of the forest
Asian elephants are smaller than their African relatives and have smaller ears and a rounded back. They live in family herds led by an older female and move over large areas to find food and water.
Low rumbles that travel through the ground
Elephants communicate with a wide range of sounds, from loud trumpets to deep rumbles. Some of these rumbles are below the range of human hearing and can travel far, allowing herd members to keep in touch when they are spread out. Elephants may also pick up vibrations through their feet.
Conflict and conservation
As forests are cut and farmland expands, elephants increasingly raid crops, leading to conflict with people. Projects that build early-warning systems, protect migration corridors and support local farmers are important to the species’ survival.
Listen
What it sounds like: Trumpets, rumbles and squeals.
To hear independent recordings, try Freesound. Check each recording’s licence before reusing it. See Media & Sources.
Further reading: Endangered Species and the Sounds We Might Lose Forever
Conservation status follows the IUCN Red List as we understand it at the time of writing. Assessments are revised regularly, so please check the IUCN Red List for the current listing.