Data from: Humpback whales blow bubble rings
Data files
May 28, 2024 version files 13.08 KB
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MMSCI_5469_Table2.xlsx
11.66 KB
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README.md
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Abstract
Among mysticetes, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) make extensive use of bubbles (bursts, trails, curtains) for display by combative breeding males and to create barrier traps (nets, clouds) when hunting schooling prey. Here we describe another genre of air release, the bubble ring, a donut-shaped, poloidally spinning, air-infused, vortex (analogous to a “smoke ring”). Bubble rings are well described among aquaria housed dolphins, but scantily reported among the mysticetes. We reviewed bubble ring production in eleven individuals that were documented by naturalists, citizen scientists and researchers on both the feeding and breeding grounds across three oceans. Rings were discharged at a relatively shallow depth within the topmost atmosphere by stationary individuals. All rings propagated vertically with the largest estimated between two and three meters in diameter upon its arrival at the surface. In cases where observable, humpback bubble rings were produced from one nostril, indicating considerable blowhole dexterity. The context of ring production is bubble ringdescribed for each episode, including the orientation and distance to the closest object in the water (boat, swimmer or another whale). We consider a variety of possible functions from which foraging (n=2) and inquisitive/friendly behavior (n=10) appeared the most plausible.
README: Bubble Ring Manuscript Supplementary Materials
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.0vt4b8h58
This dataset consists of a series of episodes (collected by citizen scientists) where bubble rings are produced by humpback whales. This includes videos and photos documenting these episodes. Our paper collates and summarizes these episodes (N=12) to describe the contexts in which humpback whales produce these unique bubble structures. The majority of episodes were produced in inquisitive contexts (N=8), while a minority of episodes (N=2) were produced in foraging contexts while producing bubble nets (a uniquely different bubble structure, a spiral shaped fish trap). We urge scientists to keep an eye out for, and document these unique ring structures when observed.
Description of the data and file structure
This dataset is a collection of videos and photos that document bubble ring production in humpback whales. Table 1 is a summary of all twelve episodes complete with metadata. Each file is labeled with the supplementary materials number that references where in the text it appears. Some episodes have more than one file, which is indicated by the file name. There are no relationships between data files as all these episodes were collected independently.
Sharing/Access information
All data was acquired directly from the primary observers of the bubble ring events.
Methods
Field observations used in this study were made by naturalists, citizen scientists and researchers with whom we conducted interviews and analyzed their video footage (8 episodes) or photos (4 episodes). Observations were made opportunistically and obtained from a private vessel, two research vessels, two whale swim vessels, one commercial and one private, three commercial whale watch vessels and two light airplanes. Whenever possible, a still photo or screen capture was obtained of the ventral side of the flukes for comparison with regional fluke photo-identification catalogs.
The data collected (i.e. episodes of bubble ring production) were not processed, and remain in raw form as collected from the observers. In some cases, we extracted still photos from the videos provided to highlight the ring production component of the encounter. Table 1 is a summary of all twelve encounters.