Don’t make yourself hoarse
in anticipation of
good times, just nicker!
Vocal communication is an important element of behavioural interactions within many social species. Przewalski’s horses produced more whinnies and squeals in response to negative contexts (agonistic interaction, social separation), but more nickers in positive contexts (anticipation of food or affiliative interactions).
Przewalski’s horses are the closest living relative of domestic horses and a comparison between the species revealed both similarities and intriguing differences in their vocalisations, suggesting that the expression of emotional valence (positive or negative) might be species specific as opposed to conserved across species. Maigrot et al, 2017.
Being able to understand vocal expression of animals could lead to the increased welfare of captive species and a better understanding of animal interactions and group behaviour, which in turn might help to aid population management or conservation in endangered species.