Trends in abundance of New Zealand fur seals, Arctocephalus forsteri, at the Neptune Islands, South Australia

摘要: At the Neptune Islands in early February 2000 at end of 1999–2000 pupping season, abundance New Zealand fur seal pups was determined using a mark–recapture technique large colonies and by direct counting small ones. Pups (n = 2355) were marked clipping hair on head to reveal light-coloured underfur. North group, there 4221 South group 1767 pups, making total 5988 for Island as whole. Islands, pup numbers increased 53% since 1993, from 2756 4221. For decreased 6.7%, 1893 1767. The decrease spread over most island. increase indicates that population is recolonisation phase growth; likely be maturity phase, with fluctuations size expected future. supports largest aggregation pinnipeds Australia.