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Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) react to underwater sounds
K Sørensen1, C Neumann1, M Dähne2
1Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
Royal Society Open Science
|April 8, 2020
Summary
Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) can detect and react to underwater noise. This suggests penguins may use sound for navigation and detecting prey, and could be sensitive to human-generated ocean noise.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Bioacoustics
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Marine animals face underwater sensory challenges.
- Marine mammals have adapted ears for underwater hearing.
- Limited data exist on underwater hearing in diving birds, especially penguins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate underwater acoustic detection and reaction thresholds in gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua).
- To assess the potential use of sound for orientation and foraging in penguins.
- To evaluate penguin sensitivity to anthropogenic underwater noise.
Main Methods:
- Playback of underwater noise bursts to gentoo penguins in a controlled tank environment.
- Varying received sound pressure levels from 100 to 120 dB re 1 µPa RMS.
- Observing and quantifying penguin behavioral responses to acoustic stimuli.
Main Results:
- Penguins exhibited a graded behavioral response to noise bursts, increasing with sound pressure level.
- Strong reactions were observed in over 60% of trials at 120 dB re 1 µPa.
- All penguin responses were directed away from the sound source.
Conclusions:
- Gentoo penguins possess the ability to detect and react to underwater sound stimuli.
- This capability suggests penguins may utilize acoustic cues for navigation and prey detection during dives.
- Penguins may be vulnerable to the impacts of anthropogenic noise in their marine environment.
