Papers by Renata S. Sousa-Lima
Polar Biology, May 12, 2022
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2012
Sound Production and Reception in Southern Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)
Revista De Biologia Tropical, Oct 29, 2023
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Oct 1, 2010
Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, Sep 29, 2019
Communal latrines have important biological and ecological roles for the latrine builder species ... more Communal latrines have important biological and ecological roles for the latrine builder species and for other taxa that visit these sites and use feces to obtain nutrients and microorganisms that aid in digestion of compounds hard to process. Nonetheless, coprophagous animals must deal with the costs associated with parasites and other pathogens present in latrines. Parasites and pathogens are found in Neotropical otter latrines. This species is carnivorous and uses latrines for territorial marking. The objective of this study was to identify vertebrate species associated with otter latrines and species that use feces as food resource. Latrines were monitored with camera traps on a monthly basis in 24-hour cycles. We recorded nine species of vertebrates, including birds, reptiles and mammals, visiting the latrines. Feeding dependency from latrines in the Atlantic Forest may not be related to periods of low food availability (dry season). Visitors that ate at the latrines do not have the same feeding habits as otters. The assumption that mammals would avoid ingesting disease-loaded feces from latrines did not hold, since two mammal species did. We speculate these mammals might be more resistant or less susceptible to pathogens found in otter feces. Resumo: Latrinas grupais tem uma função biológica e ecológica importante para as espécies que as constroem e para espécies que visitam estes locais e usam as fezes para obtenção de nutrientes e microrganismos que ajudam na digestão de compostos secundários de difícil processamento. Porém, animais coprófagos têm que lidar com custos associados a parasitas e outros patógenos presentes nas latrinas. Parasitas e patógenos são encontrados em latrinas de lontras Neotropicais. Essa espécie carnívora usa suas latrinas para depósito de excrementos e para marcação química de seus territórios. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar quais vertebrados se associam a estas latrinas e as usam como fonte alimentar. Latrinas foram monitoradas com armadilhas de vídeo mensalmente em ciclos de 24 horas. Nove espécies de vertebrados foram registradas, dentre elas aves, répteis e mamíferos. A dependência dos visitantes às latrinas não é relacionada a períodos com menor disponibilidade de alimento (estação seca). Espécies visitantes que se alimentam nas latrinas não tem os mesmos hábitos alimentares que as lontras. Assumir que outros mamíferos evitariam se alimentar de fezes nas latrinas por perigo de doenças não está correto. Porém, as visitas se limitaram a duas espécies de mamíferos que podem ser resistentes ou menos susceptíveis a doenças encontradas em fezes de lontras.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, May 1, 2017
In the Southwest Atlantic, a key southern right whale wintering ground is found off southern Braz... more In the Southwest Atlantic, a key southern right whale wintering ground is found off southern Brazil. Aiming to collect reference information on the acoustic ecology of right whale mother-calf pairs in the region, we used two complementary passive acoustic monitoring methods. Recordings from autonomous archival devices were used to obtain the description of pairs’ vocal repertoire: call classes were established, temporal and frequency parameters of calls were measured and reported, and the existence of a diel pattern of vocal activity was investigated. Calling rate and contextual call usage were obtained through synchronized behavioral observations and acoustic recordings made using a dipping two-unit linear array. Current knowledge about the species vocal behavior off Brazil allows an increment in the use of PAM methods as a research tool. Therefore, our plans for future research include the use of multistory tags, sound propagation, and playback experiments, and long-term deployment of autonomous devices along the whale’s concentration area. Future results will contribute to enhancing the knowledge on the species communication system and will aid habitat management decisions.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, May 1, 2017
The Brazilian Cerrado is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Our objective was to character... more The Brazilian Cerrado is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. Our objective was to characterize its nocturnal soundscape. 12 autonomous recorders (SongMeter2 + , Wildlife Acoustics) were deployed in Canastra National Park (MG/Brazil) and recorded five consecutive nights during the rainy season. Using Arbimon II soundscape builder we identified four frequency bands with higher activity levels. The lower band (0.3-1.3 kHz) is acoustically occupied throughout the night. The second band (2.8-3.2 kHz) is highly active around sunset and almost disappears after 10 PM. The third band (3.8-6.6 kHz) splits into two near 9 PM, with the upper limit disappearing after 3 AM. The highest frequency band (9-16 kHz) is the broadest and occupied in all recordings, being comprised by unidentified background noise. Insects (mainly crickets and cicadas) are present in the three superior bands, anura in the two lower bands, and birds in the second and third near dusk and dawn. Characterizing such protected soundscapes is vital for future monitoring and identification of changes in this important Brazilian preserve.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, May 1, 2017
The field of bioacoustics and the applications of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) methods to in... more The field of bioacoustics and the applications of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) methods to investigate aquatic mammals have grown worldwide. In Latin America, a number of researchers are using PAM to investigate different species and habitats. However, due to the lack of a proper venue to discuss research findings and priorities, collaboration within the region is scarce. Considering the clear demand for an opportunity for networking and exchange of information at a regional level, we proposed a series of workshops entitled LAMLA—Listening for Aquatic Mammals in Latin America. The aim of LAMLA is to bring together researchers, professionals, and graduate students working in bioacoustics to communicate their research, network and interact, and discuss directions for a coordinated regional bioacoustics network in order to better utilize research resources. The first edition of LAMLA was held in Natal, Brazil, in June, 2016 and the second edition was held in Valparaiso, Chile, during the XI SOLAMAC Reunion in November 2016. Outcomes and results of these two meetings will be presented as well as our goals and expectations for the 2018 meeting. [LAMLA was supported by PAEP CAPES, Office of Naval Research Global, Cetacean Society International, FAPERN, UFRN, UFJF, UNAM, University of Saint Andrews, Universidad de Concepcion, SOLAMAC, and the Acoustical Society of America.]
Aquatic Mammals, Nov 15, 2017
Ethology, Mar 4, 2020
The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) predicts that acoustic signals are selected to propagate... more The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) predicts that acoustic signals are selected to propagate more efficiently in the habitat where they are normally transmitted. Several studies corroborated the AAH for primates and birds, but evidence for frogs is contentious: While most studies failed to support the AAH, recent studies have shown that within‐species variation conforms to the predictions of the AAH. Herein, we test the AAH by comparing advertisement calls of Phyllomedusa nordestina from two contrasting habitats (Atlantic Rainforest and Caatinga) and by testing the influence of the amount of vegetation around calling sites on acoustic parameters of frog calls. The interval between pulses was significantly different between individuals from the Atlantic Rainforest and from the Caatinga, and the number of pulses was correlated with the amount of vegetation around calling sites. Hence, our results indicate that multiple evolutionary forces may act simultaneously on the advertisement calls of frogs.
Canadian Acoustics, Mar 1, 2008
Marine Mammal Science, Nov 21, 2012
Consistent and well-defined criteria for the classification and measurement of humpback whale son... more Consistent and well-defined criteria for the classification and measurement of humpback whale song features are essential for robust comparisons between investigators. Song structure terminology has been well-established and used by many authors, though at times inconsistently. This review discusses the development of the nomenclature describing humpback song and explores the potential significance of the often-overlooked variation in song patterns. Within the hierarchical definition of humpback song, the most problematic issues arise from the inconsistent delineation of phrase types, and the use of the metric of song duration without regards to variability in thematic sequence. With regards to the former, a set of guidelines is suggested to facilitate consistent delineation of phrases. With regards to the latter, current research demonstrates that the "song duration" metric has resulted in the disregard of variability at this level, which is more widespread than traditionally reported. An exemplar case is used to highlight the problem inherent in defining and measuring song duration. Humpback song is evaluated within the framework of avian songbird research, and a shift in analysis paradigm is recommended, towards phrase-based analyses in which sequences of phrases are treated as a salient feature of song pattern.
Aquatic Mammals, Jan 15, 2018
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Oct 1, 2010
Autonomous underwater recorders (ARs) are fixed passive acoustic electronic systems that acquire ... more Autonomous underwater recorders (ARs) are fixed passive acoustic electronic systems that acquire and store acoustic data internally (i.e., without a cable or radio link to a receiving station). They are deployed semi-permanently underwater (via a mooring, buoy, or resting on the sea-floor) and must be retrieved after the deployment period to access the data. ARs are capable of monitoring and recording underwater sounds over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. As part of a Joint Oil & Gas Industry Program on Sound and Marine Life (JIP) sponsored effort, we reviewed over 30 ARs that are available for recording marine mammal sounds. They varied greatly in price and capabilities, from small hand-deployable units for detecting dolphin and porpoise clicks in shallow water to large units that can be deployed in deep water and record wide frequency bands for long durations. Considerations to weigh when selecting which device to use include price, longevity and depth of deployment, area to be monitored, and, most importantly, the bandwidth and the characteristics of sounds to be monitored (i.e., marine mammal call types and noise sources).
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Oct 1, 2010
Passive acoustic systems used to study and monitor marine mammals generate enormous datasets whic... more Passive acoustic systems used to study and monitor marine mammals generate enormous datasets which are costly and time-consuming to analyze. As part of a Joint Industry Programme sponsored effort, we reviewed automated and semi-automated methods and software packages available to detect, extract, and classify marine mammal sounds; identified gaps in capabilities and knowledge; and suggested ways forward. Because of the variability in marine mammal sounds, no single method is effective for all species. While spectrogram correlation works well for stereotyped calls, more general methods like band-limited threshold detection are more effective for variable sounds. Feature extraction is a rapidly evolving field, but a reliable, automated method has yet to be successfully implemented into existing software. A major gap in our capabilities is the ability to reliably detect and classify the highly variable signals produced by some species. The development of effective, efficient, and standardized methods applicable to many species will require large, validated datasets. The acquisition, maintenance, and availability of such datasets will entail concerted, collaborative efforts. Development of common datasets and organization of workshops that focus on furthering detection, extraction, and classification methods are two ways to address these important issues in the automated analysis of marine mammal sounds.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Oct 1, 2010
Fixed cabled hydrophone (FCH) and radio-linked hydrophone (RLH) systems are permanently, or semi-... more Fixed cabled hydrophone (FCH) and radio-linked hydrophone (RLH) systems are permanently, or semi-permanently, installed acoustic monitoring systems that are located on or moored to the seafloor. These systems have the capability to passively monitor bio-acoustic signals from marine mammals and, therefore, have great potential for monitoring and mitigation of potential impacts caused by anthropogenic activities. As part of a Joint Industries Programme sponsored effort, we reviewed past and present FCH and RLH systems with respect to their capabilities, advantages/disadvantages, and effectiveness for monitoring marine mammals in relation to oil and gas exploration/production activities. Based on this review, we provide examples and applications of these technologies. FCHs are typically powered by an external source and send data continuously to a receiving station that is usually located on shore. RLHs are moored or fixed to the seafloor, and transmit acoustic signals via radio-waves to a receiving station on shore. Both these systems allow acoustic data to be remotely monitored and processed in (or near) real-time. Hybrid systems can offer a good compromise between cost and capability by providing near real-time data transmission/processing with greater flexibility in deployment possibilities, but are usually limited in longevity and bandwidth of monitoring.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Oct 1, 2010
Male humpback whale song is thought to mediate inter- and intra-sexual interactions and to have a... more Male humpback whale song is thought to mediate inter- and intra-sexual interactions and to have an important role in mating strategies. This behavior was investigated on the Abrolhos bank off Brazil. Males were recorded in three different postures: (1) underwater; (2) at the surface; and (3) tail-up (upside-down position with fluke out of the water). Matching sounds emitted just before and just after singers changed from tail-up to singing at the surface (T-S) and from underwater to singing at the surface (U-S) were used to determine if posture affects song propagation. rms amplitude values for each sound in third-octave bands and in two custom frequency bands (70–350 Hz and roughly 700–3500 Hz) were calculated. rms amplitude ratios (U/S and T/S) were compared to determine if the median amplitude ratio was different from zero. The differences between T-S and U-S median rms amplitude ratios were also compared to test if the tail-up posture had any additional advantages in transmission over singing underwater. The results show that males increase the acoustic area of their song by almost nine times singing underwater or in the tail-up posture and, for the lower frequency components of the song, the tail-up posture further increases sound transmission.
Marine Mammal Science, Feb 13, 2017
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Papers by Renata S. Sousa-Lima