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

• Published in: Frontiers in Marine Science
• Main Authors: Pina Gruden, Yvonne M. Barkley, Jennifer L. K. McCullough
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2023
• Subjects: acoustic behavior; false killer whales; echolocation clicks; whistles; towed hydrophone array; passive acoustics; Science; Q; General. Including nature conservation; geographical distribution; QH1-199.5; Killer Whale
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1147670; https://doaj.org/article/a123a9e65aa1488988f70b25a5ebcedd

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.