Powerful, noisy, highly modulated rumbles (3-4 seconds in duration) may be heard when elephants are confronting a dangerous predator. These calls have the effect of both intimidating the predator and, simultaneously, calling in support from family members not in the immediate vicinity. We refer to the powerful rolling rumbles given in this context as Roaring-Rumbles because of the roaring quality. Bunching together, with older individuals at the fore and calves occupying the center, the adults may continue to give Roaring-Rumbles, Roars or Trumpet-Blasts. One or more individuals may Advance-Toward or Charge the predator while emitting a Trumpet-Blast. Throughout a confrontation with a dangerous predator the bunched elephants may continue to vocalize while Head-Raising, Ear-Spreading, streaming with Temporin, and trunks reaching out toward one another - Reach-Touch. Softer Rumbling by bunched elephants, alternatively, appear to be involved in decision-making and may be followed by a hasty retreat.
A shorter sequence of calls edited from F1200310 in the following context: Lion stalks Amy's 2003 calf who looks unwell; Mother Amy is facing into the palms about 5 m beyond her infant; A second adult female, Alison, is also within 5 m around a palm. The lion pounces on the calf who Roars; The females respond with 9 minutes of Roaring-Rumbles, Rumbles and Trumpet-Blasts and Alarmed-Trumpets which keeps the lion at bay and calls in more distant family members as reinforcements. This clip contains the calf Roar, three Roaring-Rumbles, A trumpet-Blast an Alarmed-Trumpet and more distant or softer callers. (Amboseli, Kenya)
