What question did this study set out to answer?

This research investigates vocal learning processes in beluga whales following the introduction of new dyads. It aims to understand how vocal repertoires change due to social interactions.

May 14, 2026

Como se llama? Stereotyped call evolution following the introduction of beluga whale dyads ( Delphinapterus leucas ) in a managed care setting

Key Points

This research investigates vocal learning processes in beluga whales following the introduction of new dyads. It aims to understand how vocal repertoires change due to social interactions.
Beluga whales were observed over a 1-year period after introducing a new dyad.
Vocal repertoires of the existing dyad and the new dyad were documented for changes and adaptations.
Comparative analysis of vocalizations pre- and post-introduction was performed to assess learning processes.
The arriving dyad incorporated a pulsed component to their simple whistles after the introduction.
The existing dyad began to imitate and include whistles from the new dyad's vocal repertoire.
Both dyads exhibited significant vocal production learning, indicating adaptability regardless of their previous environments.

Abstract

In the beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), complex contact calls are hypothesized to broadcast identity and to be learned instead of developed inherently. However, little information exists on vocal learning processes related to beluga complex contact calls. Reports of whales that alter contact calls when exposed to novel sounds can further illuminate learning processes within this species. Here, we report on changes to the vocal repertoires of belugas over a 1-year period following the introduction of one dyad (transferred from a facility in Ukraine) to an existing dyad at Oceanogràfic València (Spain). Contextual vocal learning was most apparent in changes to the arriving dyad’s vocal repertoires, particularly the addition of a pulsed component to simple whistles. Production learning was apparent in the existing dyad’s imitation and incorporation of whistles from the new dyad’s repertoire. Evidence of vocal production learning in the new dyad is supported by documentation of the vocal repertoire and life history of one of the individuals before and after exposure to novel sounds made by a new social partner. Learning processes in both dyads reflected repertoire plasticity regardless of age or developmental circumstances (e.g., housing with bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, while in Ukraine).

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