Spatial and temporal variability of the acoustic repertoire of Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) in the Weddell Sea

Abstract Since the attribution of the bio-duck call to Antarctic minke whales (AMW Balaenoptera bonaerensis), different studies have retrospectively identified several bio-duck call types at various sites throughout the Southern Hemisphere. The function of their vocal behavior however, remains large...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific Reports
Main Authors: Diego Filún, Ilse van Opzeeland
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2023
Subjects:
Medicine
R
Science
Q
Antarctic
Ekström Ice Shelf
Weddell
Weddell Sea
Antarc*
Balaenoptera bonaerensis
baleen whale
Ice Shelf
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38793-4
https://doaj.org/article/eff509599339401fb026d8d6efbbe091
Description
Summary:Abstract Since the attribution of the bio-duck call to Antarctic minke whales (AMW Balaenoptera bonaerensis), different studies have retrospectively identified several bio-duck call types at various sites throughout the Southern Hemisphere. The function of their vocal behavior however, remains largely unknown. Further insights into their repertoire usage may help to reveal the function of their calls. Here, we use passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data collected across six locations throughout the Weddell Sea (WS) in 2013 and from PALAOA Station (Ekström Ice Shelf, eastern WS) in 2015, 2016 and 2017. In 2013, we detected 11 bio-duck call types throughout the WS between May and December, with additional acoustic activity in February on the western recorder AMW calls fell into four general call clusters. Seasonal patterns of calls showed variability between locations and years. Furthermore, this is the first study to show that similar to other baleen whale species, AMWs also produce songs.

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