Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
What Does the Manatee Say? Manatee Vocalizations in Florida and Beyond
Beth A. Brady, PhD
Save the Manatee Club, FL, USA
Abstract
While acoustic communication is well-documented among many marine mammal species, our
understanding of Sirenian communication remains relatively limited. Over the past fifteen years,
my research has focused on manatee communication, with a specific emphasis on
comprehending their vocal repertoire and the functions of vocalizations. Through acoustic
studies conducted with captive and wild manatee species, we have begun to unravel various
aspects of their communication, including their vocal repertoire, behavioral correlations,
functions, ontological changes, habitat preferences, species differences, and potential gender
influences on vocal responses. This talk will begin with an exploration of Florida manatees,
where we have gained insights into their vocal repertoire and its correlation with behavior. Next,
we will compare Florida manatee vocalizations with those of Amazonian, African, and Antillean
manatees, focusing on geographic variations in vocalizations between the Florida and Antillean
subspecies. Ontogenetic studies will shed light on how vocalizations of Florida, Antillean, and
Amazonian calves vary by species and body size. Additionally, we will delve into the role of
vocalizations in habitat usage for African and Antillean species. Recently conducted playback
experiments will provide insight into whether the vocal and behavioral responses of manatees
are linked to the gender of the animal producing the call. Finally, playback experiments
conducted with wild manatees will provide insight into the functions of different call types.
Through the synthesis of field recordings, behavioral observations, and controlled experiments,
our findings offer insights into the world of manatee vocalizations, paving the way for a deeper
understanding of vocal communication in these marine mammals.
What Does the Manatee Say? Manatee Vocalizations in Florida and Beyond
Beth A. Brady, PhD
Save the Manatee Club, FL, USA
Abstract
While acoustic communication is well-documented among many marine mammal species, our
understanding of Sirenian communication remains relatively limited. Over the past fifteen years,
my research has focused on manatee communication, with a specific emphasis on
comprehending their vocal repertoire and the functions of vocalizations. Through acoustic
studies conducted with captive and wild manatee species, we have begun to unravel various
aspects of their communication, including their vocal repertoire, behavioral correlations,
functions, ontological changes, habitat preferences, species differences, and potential gender
influences on vocal responses. This talk will begin with an exploration of Florida manatees,
where we have gained insights into their vocal repertoire and its correlation with behavior. Next,
we will compare Florida manatee vocalizations with those of Amazonian, African, and Antillean
manatees, focusing on geographic variations in vocalizations between the Florida and Antillean
subspecies. Ontogenetic studies will shed light on how vocalizations of Florida, Antillean, and
Amazonian calves vary by species and body size. Additionally, we will delve into the role of
vocalizations in habitat usage for African and Antillean species. Recently conducted playback
experiments will provide insight into whether the vocal and behavioral responses of manatees
are linked to the gender of the animal producing the call. Finally, playback experiments
conducted with wild manatees will provide insight into the functions of different call types.
Through the synthesis of field recordings, behavioral observations, and controlled experiments,
our findings offer insights into the world of manatee vocalizations, paving the way for a deeper
understanding of vocal communication in these marine mammals.
