All clicks are not created equally: Variations in high-frequency acoustic signal parameters of the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)

The quality and quantity of acoustical data available to researchers are rapidly increasing with advances in technology. Recording cetaceans with a 500 kHz sampling rate provides a more complete signal representation than traditional sampling at 96 kHz and lower. Such sampling provides a profusion of data concerning various parameters, such as click duration, inter-click intervals, frequency, amplitude, and phase. However, there is disagreement in the literature in the use and definitions of these acoustic terms and parameters. In this study, Amazon River dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) were recorded using a 500 kHz sampling rate in the Peruvian Amazon River watershed. Subsequent spectral analyses, including time waveforms, fast Fourier transforms and wavelet scalograms, demonstrate acoustic signals with differing characteristics. These high frequency, broadband signals are compared, and differences are highlighted, despite the fact that currently an unambiguous way to describe these acoustic signals is lacking. The need for standards in cetacean bioacoustics with regard to terminology and collection techniques is emphasized.