The frequency and costs of harassment in southern elephant seals

摘要: Notwithstanding the important role of male harassment females for theories evolution mating systems, accurate estimates its frequency and costs are available only a few species. In this paper, we quantify in southern elephant seals, compare occurrences inside outside harems, estimate two populations at Sea Lion Island (Falkland Islands) Punta Delgada (Valdes Peninsula). Southern seal males much larger than females, have enlarged canines, more agile on land; hence, small probability escape from approaching may suffer intense molestation. Most had limited access to due despotic system, their libido was high. Females were approached by high frequency, mostly when out oestrus. The level negatively related ratio breeding males, peak season suffered lower harassment. large harems harassed less, likelihood interact with secondary lower. activity harem less disrupted, higher proportion resting time. Isolated herding episodes, frequently males. main short-term cost disruption females’ schedule; total active time positively related. Suckling bouts rarely interrupted Mother pup separations caused interaction rare, short-lasting, permanent. There little effect weanling weight, physical damage ‘there ,only slight non-significant negative relationship between during one surviving next.