Scientists have recently acquired a soundtrack of the orca pod associated with the Strait of Gibraltar, the same pod that has been snapping off rudders and disabling yachts. The recordings show that they communicate using a dialect unlike any previously recorded orcas – a newly identified orca language.
Scientists report that calls among these pod members, led by a female known as White Gladis, are totally different to any other orcas found around the world. Orca pods “speak” in recognizably different ways much as humans do, but the newly recorded calls not only represent a different “accent” but have a markedly different structure language from those of other orcas in the North Atlantic or the Pacific.
The pod known to attack boat rudders and causing several sailboats to sink (see our previous article HERE) were thought to be very silent, but this silence is believed to be a hunting tactic. The Atlantic orca hunt bluefin tuna, an alert, skittish prey, and making noise would send the fish fleeing. A research team, led by Dr. Javier Almunia of the University of La Laguna (Tenerife, Spain), have identified four distinct call types within the pod, none of which match those heard among orcas elsewhere.
Scientists note that the discovery of a new “dialect” gives an added twist to conservation; if a pod dies out, their language as well as their genetics die too. Most scientists agree that these highly intelligent predators are playing when they bite off the rudders of small sailboats; these orcas have been seen batting the broken pieces around like toys, then lose interest and swim off. This strange activity may also serve as a form of social bonding, perhaps like humans getting together with friends at the local pub?!
Photo Credit Lisbon Dolphins
