Long-term reproductive patterns and sighting bias in Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddelli)

摘要: The reproductive performance of tagged Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddelli) was monitored at McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, from 1970 to 1984. An age-specific schedule revealed the major onset pupping age 6 years, and a mean first birth 7.1 years. average asymptotic rate 0.61 is reached by 10. cost in given year reflected 0.05 drop probability following year. This not evident females over 7 years old, suggesting that postweaning condition affects newly mature more than those are fully mature. Annual adult rates ranged 0.46 0.79, with possible periodicity 5 Simulations were conducted determine impact on estimates sighting biases associated having had least one pup (Parous) or pupped season (With-Pup). Age reproduction as deduced an strongly affected both fo...