Browsing by Author "Brattain, Allison"

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    Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) proportional call type usage with seasons and light periods, and the relationships between call types near Davis, Antarctica.
    (University of New Brunswick, 2025-03) Brattain, Allison; John M. Terhune; Kurt M. Samways
    Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) have an extensive vocal repertoire. I investigated whether their proportional call type usage patterns vary across seasons and light periods, and the relationships between call types. Calls were recorded near Davis, Antarctica, and analyzed using R Studio and Raven Pro. A total of 6315 calls were identified, representing 16 call types. Call types were categorized and examined by season, light period, and season by light period using Chi-square tests. Clustering methods reclassified calls into broader groups based on common physical structures. For the 16 call types, proportional call usage did not significantly differ across seasons, but did significantly differ across light periods. Whistle Descending calls revealed significant difference across seasons by light period. The clustering analysis identified three call categories, showing seasonal significance, but no light period effect. This suggests no call types or groups are linked to reproduction, enhancing our understanding of Weddell seal behaviour.