DEMOGRAPHY AND BREEDING BIOLOGY OF A SMALL, LOCALIZED POPULATION OF SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS (MIROUNGA LEONINA)

摘要: Southern elephant seals have been studied in depth most of their breeding range. One notable exception is the Falkland Islands population. We present data on demography and biology Sea Lion Island, main site this species Falklands. Island shelters a small, localized population southern (516 females 1995 518 1996). Comparison with few available census collected prior to our study suggests that has stable short term (1989-1996). Females produced pups at maximum rate pup mortality was low (2.13%). Breeding sex ratio strongly unbalanced, about 14 per male 47 harem-holding peak haul-out. Survival between seasons 67.4% for 50% males. Timing season very similar recorded other populations accordance clinal variation latitude. Sex birth balanced, no significant weight dimorphism weaning sexes detected (males: 135.4 kg; females: 132.0 kg). Weaning correlated size class mother.