Researchers were able to record South Africa’s first-ever sound of a killer whale when they spotted an orca in Fish Hoek, Cape Town on January 26.
The recording was captured by Sea Search Africa, a collective of marine mammal scientists producing peer-reviewed scientific research and student training.
According to researchers, the male orca had a lot to say and was quite enthusiastic about expressing his opinion. ‘If only we knew what he was saying… he was quite vociferous!’ added Seafari on Twitter.
If only we knew what he was saying… he was quite vociferous! https://t.co/U5WcVQMGvq
— Seafari (@SeafariApp) January 26, 2021
The recording was made with a hydrophone, an underwater device that detects and records ocean sounds from all directions.
Listen to these unique vocalisations:
According to the US National Ocean Service, whales make noise to communicate, locate food, and find each other. They use a variety of vocalisations to communicate and socialise, with the three main types of sounds being clicks, whistles, and pulsed calls.
Picture: Unsplash
