The Humpback Whale Ethogram Project: Developing a Behavioral Catalog using a Multimedia Approach

Since 1974, I have studied the behavior and ecology of the humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae. I have collaborated with other scientists and currently with Carol “Krill” Carson, a Visiting Lecturer in Biology and a marine biologist with the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA). With the support of a CART faculty summer grant, I will continue development of a humpback ethogram by incorporating advanced media technologies in partnership with the Digital Library Services and the Art Department. A PowerPoint standardized template will be used for each documented behavior. Digital photographic images and video sequences were collected from April through October in 2006 and 2007. Additional material will be collected during the upcoming 2008 season. Behaviors are broken down into a number of main categories and numerous sub-categories. The final product is an educational and research tool that uses a common vocabulary for humpback whale behavior in the northern feeding grounds