Food consumption of wintering harp seals, Phoca groenlandica, in the St. Lawrence estuary, Canada

摘要: Diet composition and rates of food consumption were determined for 25 harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) wintering in the St. Lawrence estuary, Canada, January February 1983. Capelin (Mallotus villosus) was predominant item stomachs (100% frequency occurrence, 86% numerical abundance, 77% mass, gross energy). Juvenile (mean mass = 64 ± 12 kg, n = 8) consumed 2.0 ± 0.6% their total mass or 4.2 ± 1.4% core fish daily, from which they obtained 3065 ± 1096 kcal∙d−1. Mature mass = 134 ± 28 kg, n = 17) equivalent to 1.8 ± 1.0% body 3.6 ± 2.1% acquired 5226 ± 2700 kcal∙d−1. Food did not vary with sex maturity status when adjusted differences size (analysis covariance, P > 0.30).