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Localization and visual verification of a complex minke whale vocalization
J Gedamke1, D P Costa, A Dunstan
1Ocean Sciences Department, University of California, Santa Cruz 95064, USA. jgedamke@cats.ucsc.edu
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|June 27, 2001
Summary
Researchers identified a unique "star-wars" (SW) vocalization in dwarf minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef. This complex sound may aid in understanding whale behavior and distribution.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Bioacoustics
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- A recently identified population of dwarf minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) inhabits the Great Barrier Reef.
- These whales are observed in this region during their suspected calving and breeding seasons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acoustic behavior of dwarf minke whales.
- To characterize a newly recorded complex vocalization, termed the "star-wars" (SW) vocalization.
Main Methods:
- A towed hydrophone array was used to record sounds during drifting encounters with minke whales.
- Shipboard and in-water observers linked recorded sounds to specific whales.
- Acoustic data were analyzed to determine the characteristics and source levels of the SW vocalization.
Main Results:
- A complex and stereotyped sound sequence, the "star-wars" (SW) vocalization, was recorded.
- The SW vocalization spans a wide frequency range (50 Hz-9.4 kHz) with distinct, repeated units.
- Broadband source levels ranged from 150 to 165 dB re 1 microPa at 1 m.
Conclusions:
- The distinct SW vocalization can be utilized in passive acoustic studies to determine dwarf minke whale behavior, distribution, and movements.
- The vocalization's function is currently unknown but shares characteristics with songs of other whale species, potentially indicating reproductive advertisement.