Population status and breeding of New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) in the Nelson‐northern Marlborough region, 1991–94

摘要: Abstract The population size, distribution, breeding, and onshore habitats of New Zealand fur seals in the Nelson‐northern Marlborough region, Zealand, were investigated. Breeding occurs at four relatively new rookeries along southern shores Cook Strait: Stephens Island outer Sounds, Archway Islands Pillar Point near Cape Farewell, Tonga Tasman Bay. These established about 1970, 1980, 1988, respectively. In 1993–94 500 pups born extant breeding or was assessed as 2410. There also 17 hauling grounds, each with 25 more ashore winter, 50 other sites where lesser numbers hauled out regularly. Comparison earlier estimates indicates that summer increased from 70 1973 to 1000 1994—a sevenfold increase yearling older seals. number produced a mean annual rate 23% since 1970–71...