Sighting of a Southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina in the Toltén River, southern Chile

• Main Authors: Sepúlveda, Maritza, Pavez, Guido, Savaria, Pablo, Harrod, Chris, Gomez Uchida, Daniel
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Southern elephant seal; freshwater record; Toltén River; Chile; Antarctic; Southern Ocean; Antarc*; Elephant Seal; Mirounga leonina; Southern Elephant Seal
• Online Access: https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/oaiart?codigo=6910873

Abstract: The Southern elephant seal (SES) is a marine species that can be found at sea throughout the Southern Ocean on most sub-Antarctic islands. An unusual record of a solitary Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) in freshwater habitat is reported. The seal was found 16 km upstream from the mouth of the Toltén River, in southern Chile (39°9’S; 73°10’W). The individual was classified as a sub-adult male approximately 3 m in length. Potential causes for the unusual presence of the seal in a river include feeding on native estuarine fishes and non-native Chinook salmon or resting. Long lasting resting (5 days) in the Toltén River by the seal may indicate suitable habitat and/or lack of disturbance.