Ecology of the ringed seal, Phoca hispida, in its fast ice breeding habitat
Studies of the behavioral ecology of seals hauled out on the sea ice at Popham Bay (64°17′ N, 65°30′ W) southeastern Baffin Island were conducted from 8 May to 6 June 1978 and 1 May to 20 June 1979. Similar densities and seasonal changes in numbers of hauled out seals were seen in both years. Seal n...
| Published in: | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
1981
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z81-135 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z81-135 |
| Summary: | Studies of the behavioral ecology of seals hauled out on the sea ice at Popham Bay (64°17′ N, 65°30′ W) southeastern Baffin Island were conducted from 8 May to 6 June 1978 and 1 May to 20 June 1979. Similar densities and seasonal changes in numbers of hauled out seals were seen in both years. Seal numbers were positively correlated with date and negatively correlated with wind speed. While lying on the ice seals were vigilant and aggressive towards other seals, and females suckled their pups. Individuals were recognized by their different pelage marks. Both males and females showed site tenacity. One male, seen in 1978, was resighted in the study area in 1979. Our observations indicate that ringed seals are territorial and similar to the polygynous Weddell seal of the antarctic in their social organization. Population regulation appears to be affected by availability of suitable fast ice in which to maintain feeding and breeding habitat, with some adjustment of annual recruitment possibly in response to depleted food resources. |
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