THE DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE AND SELECTED PREY OF THE HARBOR SEAL, PHOCA VITULINA CONCOLOR, IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND

摘要: The seasonal distribution and abundance of harbor seals occurring south Maine were documented by counting the number at traditional haulout locations. average counted during each survey in Massachusetts New Hampshire was 3,560 ± 255 (95% CI), 1983–1987. maximum on any individual 4,736 individuals. Fifty percent all surveys since January 1985 have resulted counts greater than 4,000 reflecting a 27% increase our study area that date. Seventy-five southern England are located sites Cape Cod Nantucket Island. largest aggregation eastern United States occurs mid-winter Monomoy Island adjacent shoals. A single high count 1,672 occurred this site period. An additional 271–374 also Rhode Island, Connecticut Long Sound conducted March 1986 1987. The American sandlance Ammodytes americanus dominant prey item waters to based modified frequency occurrence species scat samples collected from three between 1984–1987. During February near exclusive (99%, n= 80). April, Atlantic herring Clupea harengus increased site. Regional differences diet reflect distinct communities throughout area. Since 1986, importance has decreased, an overall decrease Cod. In spite fluctuations abundance, regional area, still comprised minimum 55% total