Population increase in the Amsterdam Island fur seal Arctocephaius tropicalis at Gough Island

• Main Author: Bester, M.N.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: NISC (Pty) Ltd 2017
• Subjects: Gough; Amsterdam Island
• Online Access: http://www.ajol.info/index.php/az/article/view/152339

Population size of Arctocephalus tropicalis on Gough Island was determined by direct censuses of parts of the coast during the summers of 1974 - 1976 and 1977 - 1978 and correction factors for undercounting and seasonal cycles were applied. Present population size is approximately 200000, giving an intrinsic rate of increase of 15,9% per year since 1955/56, but is now approaching the negative acceleration phase in population growth as a result of optimal breeding space becoming limited. An extension of breeding colony sites has also occurred since 1955.