Measuring the effect of human activity on Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) in Antarctica ...
Although guidelines exist for approaches to, and vehicle use (over-snow vehicles, aircraft and watercraft) in the vicinity of, Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii), there has been no scientific assessment of the effectiveness of these guidelines in minimising disturbance to the seals. This study...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | unknown |
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University Of Tasmania
2023
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| Online Access: | https://dx.doi.org/10.25959/23247590.v1 https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Measuring_the_effect_of_human_activity_on_Weddell_seals_Leptonychotes_weddellii_in_Antarctica/23247590/1 |
| Summary: | Although guidelines exist for approaches to, and vehicle use (over-snow vehicles, aircraft and watercraft) in the vicinity of, Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii), there has been no scientific assessment of the effectiveness of these guidelines in minimising disturbance to the seals. This study examined tqe response of Weddell seals to various forms of human activity that the seals are currently exposed to. A series of controlled experiments were conducted to measure, (i) the immediate behavioural and physiological responses of lactating W ~ddell seals (and their pups) to approaches on foot, and the factors affecting the seals' respons~, (ii) the temporal ( - nature of the seals' response to repeated pedestrian activity fil?.d (iii) the immediate behavioural response oflactating cows to over-snow vehicle operations, and the factors that affect their response. In addition, sound/distance profiles were developed for commonly used Antarctic vehicles ~d the assumed detection threshold of Weddell seals was ... |
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