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

• 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

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.