Underwater Vocalization and Subsequent Social Behavior of the Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi) Near Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA

摘要: Underwater observations of vocalizations and subsequent social behavior individually identified adult male harbor seals were recorded at Hopkins Marine Station from November 1996 to May 1997. When males vocalized, nearby either ignored or responded by approaching posturing submissively nose with the vocalizer. We defined this as attending. During study, we analyzed underwater three attended six non-attended (1) identify reliable acoustic parameters for individual comparison, (2) determine whether routinely during displays differed that are ignored. divided into primary call types: preroar, step roar. compared roar sound spectra mean first formant frequency (F o ) same constant depth distance. but opposite orientation hydrophone investigate effects multipath propagation in shallow water, reliability spectral measurements. Spectra significantly respect (t = 3.0, p 0.01, df 53), 0 remained consistent 0.88, 0.40. 9). Mean ), therefore, was a measure frequency. Duration step, roars, roars between males. Attended produced longer (3.3 s, SE 0.2), lower (186.1 Hz, 13.0) than (2.0 0.1; 222.0 8.0, t 2.8, 0.03, 7), indicating interpret status cues. This communication fitness is relevant mate selection means mediate dominance hierarchies, maintain territories, direct advertisement females. Future studies will focus on distinguishing among mating strategies improving monitoring capabilities.