A study published in the January edition of the journal Animal Behaviour documents significant changes in the vocalizations that ‘alalā make today, when compared with those recorded in the wild more than a decade ago. The study indicates that although the vocal repertoire continues to be rich and varied, it has changed significantly over time. “This is a significant cultural change in the species,” said Patrick Hart, a professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. “Of particular note is the fact that there appear to be fewer alarm and territory calls in the population, and the frequency of alarm calls is greatly reduced.”