Loro Parque Fundación Unveils Groundbreaking Study on Iberian Orca Acoustic Dialect

On December 15, 2023, a significant study was published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, marking a pivotal advancement in marine conservation by formally describing the vocal dialect of the Iberian orca, a species recognized as critically endangered by the IUCN.

Scientific Collaboration and Research Advances

This groundbreaking research was spearheaded by Dr. Javier Almunia from the University of La Laguna (ULL), in partnership with Loro Parque Fundación and CIRCE. The study not only represents a scientific milestone but also paves the way for further exploration into the communication, behavior, and conservation of this distinctive orca population.

For over 20 years, Loro Parque Fundación has worked closely with CIRCE to study and safeguard these orcas, which have recently attracted attention due to their interactions with sailing vessels in the Strait of Gibraltar. CIRCE holds the unique distinction of being the only organization authorized to conduct scientific research on this population in Gibraltar, facilitating the collection of invaluable scientific data.

Understanding Orca Communication

Dr. Almunia emphasized that this study has successfully described several previously unidentified sounds within the Iberian orca’s vocal repertoire. He noted, “These newly recognized sounds will enhance our understanding of their communication methods and social organization, which is crucial for their conservation efforts.”

The research utilized a broadband acoustic buoy, which was initially tested in Tenerife and deployed in May 2025 near Barbate. This advanced technology captured clear vocalizations from Iberian orcas, enabling the identification of four distinct sound classes—an unprecedented achievement for this population. Additionally, the buoy recorded calls at 40 Hz from a common rorqual, linked to feeding behavior, as well as clicks from sperm whales and whistles from dolphins, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region.

However, the buoy also detected a persistent layer of anthropogenic noise, primarily from vessels and sonar systems. This ongoing noise pollution forces cetaceans to communicate in an acoustically crowded environment, which could threaten their survival in areas with heavy marine traffic.

Innovative Monitoring Techniques

A key takeaway from this research is the transformative potential of next-generation passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). These innovative tools facilitate continuous, non-invasive studies of marine animals in complex environments like the Strait of Gibraltar, yielding critical insights into their communication, feeding habits, movements, and responses to human-induced pressures such as maritime traffic and underwater noise.

Co-author Renaud de Stephanis, director of CIRCE, stated that the findings strongly advocate for the establishment of a permanent acoustic monitoring observatory in the Strait, one of the world’s busiest marine corridors. He added, “Such a network would enable real-time detection of endangered species, improve our understanding of their habitat use, identify threats like noise, collisions, or fishing activities, and help design more effective conservation strategies.”

Enhancing Marine Conservation Initiatives

This study reinforces the international significance of Loro Parque Fundación’s efforts in marine conservation, which have been ongoing for over three decades. The foundation’s work is bolstered by advanced scientific research, collaborative partnerships, and sustained funding for marine conservation projects.

Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of integrating data from zoological institutions like Loro Parque, where controlled studies can be conducted, with information gathered in natural environments. Only through this comprehensive approach can a complete understanding of the behavior, communication, and conservation needs of the Iberian orca, a population that currently numbers just 37 individuals, be achieved.

Key points

• The first formal description of the Iberian orca’s vocal dialect has been published.
• The study was led by Dr. Javier Almunia from the University of La Laguna.
• Loro Parque Fundación has collaborated with CIRCE for over two decades on orca research.
• The research identified four distinct sound classes from Iberian orcas.
• Anthropogenic noise poses a significant threat to orca communication.
• Next-generation passive acoustic monitoring tools are crucial for studying marine animals.
• The establishment of a permanent acoustic monitoring observatory is recommended for the Strait of Gibraltar.