Detection Range and Range Resolution of Echolocating Bottlenose Porpoise (Tursiops truncatus)

Abstract

Most of the quantifiable information available on object detection by echolocating odontocetes has resulted from studies conducted in tanks, and only a few of them have had maximum range of detection as their primary goal (Evans, 1973). The results of Zaslavskiy et al. (1969) as reported by Ayrapet’yants and Konstan-tinov (1974), indicated detection ranges (90% correct response) of 11 m for a metal cylinder (75 mm in height and diameter), 7.3 m for a plastic cylinder (115 mm high, diameter not given) and 6.8 m for a wooden cylinder (115 mm high, diameter not given). The subject of this experiment was a Tursiops truncatus. No other information was given.