Quantitative analysis of Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddelli) underwater vocalizations at Mcmurdo Sound, Antarctica

The Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddelli) has a large repertoire of underwater vocalizations. Twelve underwater calls subdivided into 34 call types were classified based on differences in frequency range, duration, repetition rate, number per series, presence or absence of harmonics, auxiliary sound usage, and contour. The repertoire also contains nine dependent auxiliary sounds. In summary, this study standardizes the description and terminology for underwater vocalizations, reports source sound-pressure levels, and reviews usage differences by male and female seals.