Diving behaviour of harbour seal Phoca vitulina pups from nursing to independent feeding

摘要: Abstract To study the diving activity of harbour seal ( Phoca vitulina ) from nursing to independent feeding, we VHF radio tagged and tracked seven pups. The pups gradually developed skills necessary obtain enough food after weaning avoid natural man-made dangers. maximum dive duration remained unchanged with pup age, indicating that have considerable breath-holding capacity already an early age. However, mean increased 0.92 min in ≤25 days old 2.55 min 1–2 month olds, 3.09 min 2–3 month olds. increase continued for weeks assumed weaning, indicates perform long-lasting dives steadily increases as grow older. Mean surface was 0.32 min a value 6.10 min. An found when were old, but not they This may indicate young need rest more than older ones. No relationship between subsequent interval. proportion time spent submerged 71% 86% hauled-out less frequently grew never recorded outside area (defined by 30-km station range). Time day, tidal height weather conditions seemed influence behaviour