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Publication
Whistles of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Sado Estuary, Portugal: Characteristics, production rates, and long-term contour stability
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
This study focuses on the whistle characteristics and
production patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops
truncatus) resident in the Sado Estuary, Portugal.
Recordings and observations were conducted inside
the estuary and in adjacent coastal waters using single
hydrophones between 1987 and 2000. In the groups
sampled, the mean number of whistles emitted per
minute per animal was 0.28. The acoustic characteristics
of a sample of 735 whistles were measured and
compared with data from other Tursiops populations,
showing that, in a pattern of overall similarity, the
whistles recorded in the Sado are relatively long and
the frequency range used is relatively wide. Mean
peak frequency was 9.2 kHz. About 30% of the
whistles were stereotyped, and remarkable stability
was found in several contours over a 12-year period.
No relation was found between dolphin group size
and whistle rate, suggesting some restriction in production;
and no relation was found between dolphin
group size and the emission of different contours.
Significant variation was found between episodes
of simple travel and more aroused activities in terms
of the production of whistles in general and also of
different whistle contours.
Description
Keywords
Whistles Acoustic production Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus Activity patterns Sado Estuary
Citation
Aquatic Mammals, 31 (4), 453-462