ANNUAL REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE OF THE FEMALE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL (MONACHUS SCHAUINSLANDI)

摘要: : The annual reproductive cycle is described for the adult female Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) from data collected at Laysan Island (1982–1991) and Lisianski (1982–1983) in Northwestern Islands. Pupping, lactation, weaning, molting were directly observed, while mating was rarely observed was, therefore, inferred occurrence of mounting injuries male association patterns. Pooled birth rates during study period 0.544 all adult-sized females 0.675 parous earlier years. For parturient females, pupping peaked late March early April, weaning May, May June, July. non-parturient median injury dates occurred 17 28 days earlier, respectively. Pupping date set timing subsequent events cycle, but those adjusted by loss pup or poor physical condition female. Individual patterns varied widely. mean interval births consecutive years 381 days; that pupped gave later each season. Conversely, who skipped a year more their next