Variation in the timing of the breeding haulout of female southern elephant seals at Marion Island

摘要: Using data from an ongoing mark–resight program at Marion Island, we tested whether there is variation in the timing of breeding haulout female southern elephant seals, relation to experience. Females were classed as primiparous or multiparous according their age and known life histories. The mean season date primiparae was found be significantly earlier than that multiparae nearly every year study. This caused by differences arrival, not duration tenure. In addition, consecutive seasons, moulting dates individual females shown correlated. results our study fit well with expectations, assuming nutritional condition time sensitive photoperiod phase affects implantation, because first pregnancy generally moult sooner post-parturient are likely recover depleted reserves earlier.