Vocal behavior of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) acoustic subgroups

• Published in: Frontiers in Marine Science
• Main Authors: Gruden, Pina, Barkley, Yvonne M., McCullough, Jennifer L. K.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Frontiers Media SA 2023
• Subjects: Ocean Engineering; Water Science and Technology; Aquatic Science; Global and Planetary Change; Oceanography; Killer Whale
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1147670; https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1147670/full

Understanding the vocal behavior of cetaceans is an important component of many passive acoustic applications. This study quantifies the vocal behavior of acoustic subgroups of false killer whales ( Pseudorca crassidens ) from the Hawaiian Archipelago. The acoustic subgroups (N = 523) exhibit diverse vocal behavior that varies between encounters. Overall, 29% of acoustic subgroups only echolocate, 16% only whistle, and 55% emit both types of vocalizations. These results contribute important information for developing automated passive acoustic cetacean tracking, localization, and classification techniques, and thus, support future cetacean monitoring and assessment efforts.