Warwick researchers find indri lemurs widen mouths to sing higher notes
University of Warwick scientists published a study in PLOS Computational Biology showing that wild indri lemurs in Madagascar coordinate mouth opening with song pitch.
Vocal technique matches human opera singers
Researchers observed that the indri opens its mouth wider as the pitch of its song rises. This action aligns resonant frequencies to amplify sound, a process known as formant tuning. The study provides direct evidence that these animals use this specific vocal strategy.
Songs carry across thick rainforest
Indris live only in the rainforests of Madagascar and produce complex songs that travel vast distances. These calls strengthen social bonds while warning neighboring groups to keep their distance. The ability to project sound effectively helps the animals survive in dense forest environments.
Analysis used frame-by-frame video data
Dr Chiara De Gregorio noted that mouth opening increased frame by frame whenever pitch rose. The team analyzed wild indris to confirm this coordination happens naturally without human training. This finding explains how the world's only singing lemur communicates so clearly.
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