Theoretical heat flux in water and habitat selection of phocid seals and beluga whales during the annual molt

摘要: The heat flux of marine mammals in water during the annual molt is estimated with theoretical calculations. model applied to typical small (the harbor seal,Phoca vitulina) and large southern elephant seal,Mirounga leonina) phocid seal only cetacean known annually, beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas). results suggest that seals could tolerate associated molting water, but at a high energetic cost relatively warm temperatures, which are unlikely be encountered. This agrees view must become terrestrial satisfy thermal requirements their epidermis. also belugas would able thermoneutral while temperatures 5°C or higher. Movement into estuaries would, however, allow them either save energy more rapidly than if they stayed colder open waters. While there apparently some benefit fresh compared salt this occur under conditions encountered by wild.