What is a hyena saying when it groans?
Image Credit: mape s
Hyenas are known for their unusual giggles.
But what does it mean when a hyena groans?
That’s what Frederic Theunissen is trying to find out. Theunissen studies animal communication, or biocommunication, at the University of California at Berkeley. He said because spotted hyenas are very social animals, they rely on a wide range of vocal communication. He said hyenas make two types of groans. For example:
This is the sound of a male hyena approaching a meaty bone.
Theunissen believes this low-pitched groan is an aggressive call, to tell others that this is his bone. But listen to a mother approaching hyena cubs:
This groan varies between high and low pitches. Theunissen calls it musical. He believes it’s meant to appease and reassure cubs. Theunissen also looks at context and body language to interpret what animal sounds mean.
