Isotopic niche overlap and partition among three Antarctic seals from the Western Antarctic Peninsula

摘要: Abstract In the present study we used stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) analysis of whiskers to investigate isotopic niche overlap partition among three pack ice seals sampled along Danco Coast, Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). Isotopic values in serially 34 leopard (Hydrurga leptonyx, HL), 13 crabeater (Lobodon carcinophaga, LC) 14 Weddell (Leptonychotes weddellii, LW) were measured. Two clusters identified based on their δ15N values: a high-trophic level group (HLhigh) low-trophic (HLlow). Overlap SEAc was only seen between HL LC, while LW showed an convex hulls, but no SEAc. Diet compositions estimated using Bayesian isotope mixing models revealed intra- interspecific differences seals. For highest dietary contributor krill, for HLhigh krill fish_cephalopod main contributors. Mixing run separately each seal large variation proportional contribution (12–90%) compared other sources (cephalopods, fish, penguins seals). The almost exclusively consumed with low prey. seals, hand, high proportion fish lower cephalopods penguins, seemed be minimal. This is first compare niches from WAP. Our results indicate that seem have strong considerable dependence respectively. Although WAP characterized by unusually production community vertebrate predators feed upon this resource (penguins, baleen whales) should especially vulnerable under future scenarios reduction biomass. Under current drastic environmental changes WAP, continuing monitor diets relative them will help understand degree which climate change may alter population dynamics these upper trophic species.