Behavioural context of call production in humpback whale calves: identification of potential begging calls in a mysticetes species.

Baleen whale calves vocalize, but the behavioural context and role of their social calls in mother-calf interactions are yet to be documented further. We investigated the context of call production in humpback whale () calves using camera-equipped animal-borne multi-sensor tags. Behavioural states, including suckling sessions, were identified using accelerometer, depth and video data.

Social calls in humpback whale mother-calf groups off Sainte Marie breeding ground (Madagascar, Indian Ocean).

Humpback whales () use vocalizations during diverse social interactions or activities such as foraging or mating. Unlike songs produced only by males, social calls are produced by all types of individuals (adult males and females, juveniles and calves). Several studies have described social calls in the humpback whale's breeding and the feeding grounds and from different geographic areas.

Characterizing the suckling behavior by video and 3D-accelerometry in humpback whale calves on a breeding ground.

Getting maternal milk through nursing is vital for all newborn mammals. Despite its importance, nursing has been poorly documented in humpback whales (). Nursing is difficult to observe underwater without disturbing the whales and is usually impossible to observe from a ship.