Participation in the winter haulout by southern elephant seals ( Mirounga leonina)

• Published in: Antarctic Science
• Main Authors: Kirkman, S.P., Bester, M.N., Pistorius, P.A., Hofmeyr, G.J.G., Owen, R., Mecenero, S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2001
• Subjects: Antarctic Science; Elephant Seals; Marion Island; Mirounga leonina; Southern Elephant Seals
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0954102001000530; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0954102001000530

Southern elephant seals haulout on land to moult, breed and for a third, unknown reason, which we refer to as the winter haulout. We used long-term mark-recapture data to estimate participation levels in the winter haulout by southern elephant seals at Marion Island. There was no evidence that participation levels varied between cohorts or between years. Participation differed between sexes, with males being more likely to haulout in winter, except in the first year of life where participation was equal. Within each sex, both age and reproductive status influenced participation, but age seemed to be the most influential determinant. Generally, immature male individuals hauled out year after year in winter. The results did not allow speculation as to the purpose(s) of the winter haulout.