title: Bubbleblow in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas): a play activity?
abstract: In Odontocetes, bubbleblow is reported in several ethograms but its function is poorly understood. For the five captive beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) of the Vancouver Public Aquarium, we recorded the occurrence of this behaviour, its diurnal pattern and individual variability. We suggest that bubbleblow can be considered as a solitary play activity.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire d'Ethologie et Psychologie Animale, Université Paul Sabatier, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse cedex, France.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Delfour
authors.affiliation: Institut de Recherche sur les Grands Mammifères, Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, BP 27 31362 Castanet Tolosan cedex, France.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aulagnier