Lesion, and haematologic and serum characteristics of Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) sampled in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, supplement to: Yochem, P K; Stewart, Brent S; Gelatt, T S; Siniff, D (2009): Health assessment of Weddell Seals, Leptonychotes weddellii, in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. In: Kerry, Knowles R.; Riddle, Martin (eds.), Health of Antarctic Wildlife, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Berlin, Heidelberg, 123-138

We examined and collected biomedical samples from Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) during studies of post-breeding-season foraging behaviour of adults and movements of weaned pups as a complement to ongoing studies on the ecology and population dynamics of the McMurdo seals (Stewart et al. 20...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yochem, P K, Stewart, Brent S, Gelatt, T S, Siniff, D
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: PANGAEA - Data Publisher for Earth & Environmental Science 2009
Subjects:
Biology
International Polar Year 2007-2008 IPY
Antarctic
Southern Ocean
McMurdo Sound
Weddell
Knowles
Antarc*
Antarctica
International Polar Year
IPY
Weddell Seal
Weddell Seals
Online Access:https://dx.doi.org/10.1594/pangaea.842553
https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.842553
Description
Summary:We examined and collected biomedical samples from Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) during studies of post-breeding-season foraging behaviour of adults and movements of weaned pups as a complement to ongoing studies on the ecology and population dynamics of the McMurdo seals (Stewart et al. 2000, 2003). Here we report on Weddell seal health assessments conducted during the 1996/97, 1997/98 and 1998/99 breeding seasons at the Delbridge Islands (77.68°S, 166.50°E), McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Our objectives were to compile baseline biomedical data for Weddell seals in McMurdo Sound, and to identify infectious and non-infectious diseases affecting the population. Development of such a database, including information on normal background morbidity and mortality, is an important first step in evaluating natural versus anthropogenic impacts on population health (Geraci et al. 1999; Reddy et al. 2001). These data will be integral to international studies of southern ocean pinnipeds that seek to evaluate the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the ecology of these apex predators. : Data extracted in the frame of a joint ICSTI/PANGAEA IPY effort, see http://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.150150

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