Density‐dependent pup mortality in the Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazellu at South Georgia

摘要: The extent and causes of pup mortality in the Antarctic fur seal, Arctocephalus gazella, were investigated at sites high low density South Georgia. Mortality was greater site, (17—31% annual production) than site (36%). main death, starvation skull injury, occur more frequently site. Most caused by failure mother-pup bond to form, often disturbance induced activities breeding bulls. In some seasons older pups may be influenced reduced food availability but this usually minor importance. Injury resulted from bites inflicted females either accidently during birth or when tried suck other their mother. Trampling young bulls probably responsible for appreciable incidence ruptured livers. Infectious disease drowning played roles mortality. Pups born late season suffered disproportionately which relate female age condition. Food (both prior season) weather are likely account year variation rates basic rate is primarily determined density. Further population increase colonization new beaches expected until resources summer, winter, become limiting.