Diel haul-out patterns of Weddell seal ( Leptonychotes weddelli) females and their pups

Radio-frequency transmitters were used to determine the diel haul-out pattern of Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddelli) females and their pups during the breeding season in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Individual and seasonal variations in haul out are reported. There was no significant difference in t...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Journal of Zoology
Main Authors: Thomas, Jeanette A., DeMaster, Douglas P.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1983
Subjects:
McMurdo Sound
Weddell
Antarc*
Antarctica
Leptonychotes weddelli
Weddell Seal
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z83-273
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z83-273
Description
Summary:Radio-frequency transmitters were used to determine the diel haul-out pattern of Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddelli) females and their pups during the breeding season in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Individual and seasonal variations in haul out are reported. There was no significant difference in the haul-out pattern among parous females or among pups. Females spent increasingly more time in the water as weaning of their pups commenced. About 6 weeks after parturition, females hauled out for significantly shorter periods, which probably indicated the onset of mating.

Similar Items