Are southern elephant seals re-invading mid-latitude grounds? New sightings and first birth records off the Chilean Coast

摘要: The southern elephant seal (SES), Mirounga leonina, has an estimated abundance of 900,000 individuals and a nearly circumpolar distribution in the Southern Hemisphere. In Chile, species inhabits three colonies Magallanes Region (54°24′S) northernmost sightings have been attributed to vagrant individuals. aim this study is reassess SES on Pacific Coast. Censuses were conducted from 2004 2017, 29°02′S 29°16′S 38°22′S 48°23′S. Data social media official landing records also incorporated complement research sightings. A total 72 sighted 40 haul-out sites; 42% animals found sites shared with South American sea lion, 4% wetland sites, 54% other sites. We recorded parturition event Dallico wetland, at latitude 42°19′S, which establishes location breeding Our data show increase number adult immature SESs middle latitudes during survey years similar sampling effort (2007–2016). Interestingly, we corroborated sighting female for 9 years Marine Protected Area Isla Chanaral (29°02′S), evidencing long-term fidelity foraging regions nonbreeding ranges species. high productivity area, where isolated protected areas are located, makes these ideal places find new resting grounds middle–low hotspots.