An acoustic technique for determining diurnal activities in leopard ( Hydrurga leptonyx ) and crabeater ( Lobodon carcinophagus ) seal

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Thomas, J. A., DeMaster, D. P.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1982
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Hydrurga; Crabeater Seals; Hydrurga leptonyx; Lobodon carcinophagus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z82-260; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z82-260

Hourly variations in the rate of underwater vocalizations produced by leopard (Hydrurga leptonyx) and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus) were compared with counts of these seals on ice floes. For both species maximum "haulout" corresponded with minimum underwater vocalizations. Consequently, sampling the vocal behaviour of pinnipeds may be used to determine their diurnal haulout pattern. This underwater vocalization rate potentially may be used to calculate a series of hourly correction factors that compensate for submerged seals not seen during a census.