Predation of Adélie penguins ( Pygoscelis adeliae ) by leopard seals ( Hydrurga leptonyx ) in Prydz Bay, Antarctica

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Rogers, T., Bryden, M. M.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1995
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Prydz Bay; Hydrurga; Antarc*; Antarctica; Hydrurga leptonyx; Leopard Seals; Pygoscelis adeliae
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z95-119; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z95-119

The behaviour of leopard seals, Hydrurga leptonyx, feeding on Adélie penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae, was investigated between November 1993 and January 1994 in Prydz Bay, Antarctica. The seals were distributed along the fast-ice edge in locations where departing penguins congregated. Five different hunting techniques were observed, four of which were used through most of the summer. Individual leopard seals favoured specific hunting techniques. Hitherto, penguin hunting was believed to be carried out primarily by a few male seals; in this study, however, the predation observed involved many different individuals of both sexes. It is estimated that six leopard seals feeding in this area over a period of 120 days would consume 2.7% of the adult penguin population.