Pygmy Blue Whale Vocal Characteristics from the Eastern Indian Ocean, 2002-2010

Parks Australia provides a dataset analyzing the vocal characteristics of pygmy blue whales from the eastern Indian Ocean population. Data were collected from 2002 to 2010 using hydroacoustic stations, acoustic observatories, and sea noise loggers deployed off Western Australia. The analysis includes source level measurements and documents a gradual decrease in call frequency over the nine-year period.

Use Cases

• Analyze long-term trends in whale song frequency based on the observed 0.35 Hz/year decrease in harmonic frequency.
• Model whale source levels for population monitoring based on the reported 179 ± 2 dB level for tonal sounds.
• Compare vocalization patterns between different call types based on the described tonal themes and impulsive downswept sounds.
• Assess the acoustic environment of the Perth Canyon and Cape Leeuwin region using the described hydroacoustic monitoring data.

Strengths

• Data spans nine years from 2002 to 2010, providing a longitudinal perspective.
• Source levels are quantified with specific decibel measurements and uncertainty ranges (e.g., 179 ± 2 dB).
• Analysis is based on data from multiple monitoring systems, including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty network.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to the specific monitoring locations off Western Australia.

Provenance

Source

Parks Australia, referencing a source publication.

Collection Method

Data gathered from hydroacoustic stations, acoustic observatories, and individual sea noise loggers.

Time Range

2002 to 2010

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-15 02:16:20.269823; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Eastern Indian Ocean, specifically off Cape Leeuwin, Western Australia, and the Perth Canyon.