Location and recognition of pups by adult female harp seals

摘要: Abstract Harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) cows use visual, auditory and olfactory clues to locate and/or identify their pups. Identification is made at a close range the pups are approached from distance in random manner. The topography of ice supporting changes frequently. These probably preclude or reduce spatial memory by adults. Because cannot be identified distance, because absence stable landmarks, adult must remain relatively her pup all times. large number area suggests that searching will not efficient. ability various mammalian species utilize may well influence modes locating identifying young.