Phylogenetic relationships, population genetics and hybridisation of two species of southern fur seal (Arctocephalus spp.) ...

• Main Author: Wynen, LP
• Format: Thesis
• Language: unknown
• Published: University Of Tasmania 2023
• Subjects: Antarctic; Southern Ocean; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctic Fur Seal; Macquarie Island; Marion Island; Southern Fur Seal
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.25959/23241569; https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Phylogenetic_relationships_population_genetics_and_hybridisation_of_two_species_of_southern_fur_seal_Arctocephalus_spp_/23241569

This research investigated the phylogenetic relationships and population genetics of two species of fur seal in order to provide a basis for the study of the hybridisation of these species at Macquarie Island. The Antarctic (Arctocephalus gaze/la) and subantarctic fur seals (Arctocepha/us tropicalis) occur throughout the subantarctic region of the Southern Ocean, hauling out on remote islands throughout the region to breed. Both species were subject to intense sealing activities in the 18th and 19th centuries. The competitive and indiscriminate nature of the industry ensured that all populations were greatly reduced in size, with some becoming extinct. The cessation of sealing in the early 20th century has allowed both species to recover in number, and recolonise islands across their former range. The current range for the Antarctic fur seal overlaps with that of the subantarctic fur seal at lies Crozet, Marion Island and Macquarie Island. Hybridisation has been reported at low levels at Marion Island, and ...