'Move Away' and 'Stop that!' Wild Elephants Use a Rich Gestural Repertoire Intentionally to 'Mean Business'

'Move away' and 'stop that!' Wild elephants use a rich gestural repertoire intentionally to 'mean business'

Wild African savanna elephants use a wide range of gestures when competing with other elephants, according to research from an international group of scientists, including researchers from the University of Portsmouth, University of Vienna and University of St Andrews.

Elephants Use 41 Different Gestures to Settle Their Disputes

Scientists studying wild elephant confrontations discovered something unexpected: these animals don't just brawl or back down when competing for resources. The way they negotiate conflict reveals a level of intentional communication that challenges what we thought only humans could do.

‘Move away’ and ‘stop that!’ Wild elephants use a rich gestural repertoire intentionally to “mean business”

‘Move away’ and ‘stop that!’ Wild elephants use a rich gestural repertoire intentionally to “mean business” GaisforE Thu, 08/10/2026 - 11:03 Elephants check whether others are paying attention, wait for a response and persist with further gestures when their apparent goal is not met 8 October 2026 Wild African savannah elephants use a wide range of gestures when competing with other elephants, according to research from a group of international …