Dolphin Ecology & Acoustics Project
Conserving Through Research
Conserving Through Research
"Bella" the Bottlenose Dolphin
Dolphins have a complex and intricate visual, acoustic and chemical communication system. They are particularly reliant on their acoustic communication faculty to effectively and efficiently hunt, navigate, maintain contact between group members and advertise individual identity and activity.
Most species of dolphins produce a large variety of acoustic signals that are generally categorised as whistles, clicks and broad band signals. Little is know about the specific functions and ecological significance of these complex sounds produced by dolphins.
This study will examine the types of acoustic emissions produced by two species of wild coastal dolphins (Tursiops aduncus and Sousa chinensis) and investigate the functions of these sounds. Innovative and technologically advanced equipment will be developed to obtain recordings of concurrent underwater and directional sound recordings. This study involves an international team of leading researchers. We believe that the development and use of this equipment will drastically improve the techniques used to record dolphin behaviour and acoustics which have previously been very limiting.
Findings from this study will advance the understanding of ecological requirements of these highly social marine mammals that rely on their acoustic communication to survive.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE EXCITING RESEARCH PROJECTS COMING UP IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
