Vocalization Studies of Two West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris)

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Bauer, Gordon

Keywords

Manatee, Vocalizations, Behavior

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

Efforts to protect the endangered West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) have encouraged research concerning the role of vocalizations. This paper examined the calls emitted by two captive manatees over a period of six months, comparing vocalization rates of the subjects to behaviors, locations, and environmental factors. Results found little variation between the manatees vocalizing and baseline behavior. The only differences found concerned one manatee who vocalized less frequently when resting, but more often when traveling. Both manatees exhibited distinct location preferences. Past research has found evidence for individualized vocalizations (aspects of calls which are unique to individuals) which could serve as a means of identification. This study examined calls for properties unique to individuals using computer and human sorting measures. Computer measures indicated that Snooty and Muddy Barron have individually unique fundamental frequencies. Human sorters were unable to categorize vocalizations by manatee but were able to cluster calls based on distribution of amplitude.

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