Human disturbance, nursing behaviour, and lactational pup growth in a declining southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) population

摘要: We studied lactation behaviour in relation to pup growth southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island, and compared harems areas of high low human presence determine if there is an effect attributable activities, including scientific research. Pup weaning mass, a known correlate first-year survival, was positively influenced by suckle bout durations during early middle maternal aggression late lactation; no other behavioural variables were associated with mass. In the area presence, we observed from distance mother-pup pairs directly before, during, after visits researchers. Alertness raised threefold people but quickly returned predisturbance levels their departure; significant short-term effects on variables. undisturbed absence people. No differences any examined found, indicating long-term changes resulting presence. Human disturbance therefore appears not have significantly contributed population decline conclusion requires caution given fairly power our analyses.