Geographic variation in at-sea movements, habitat use and diving behaviour of female Cape fur seals

摘要: Knowledge of animal foraging behaviour has implications for management and conservation. While Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus comprise a major proportion the southern African marine predator biomass, little is known about their at-sea movements. We investigated distribution, habitat use diving 35 adult female from 3 breeding colonies experiencing contrasting oceanographic regimes. Animals Black Rocks, smallest eastern-most colony, undertook shorter trips utilised shallower waters over shelf. In comparison, animals larger west coast colonies, at Kleinsee False Bay, travelled further deeper shelf shelf-slope waters. However, across females typically preferred depths 22°C). Dive was similar between Bay individuals (unavailable Rocks), with both pelagic benthic evident. Diel patterns were apparent sites, as dive depth increased significantly during daylight hours, likely reflecting vertical movements prey species. provide first assessment seal movement South component population. Observed geographic differences reflect availability suitable but may also indicate in strategies density-dependent effects throughout range this