(Table 1) Prey species identified from the scats of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) on Bouvet Island

• Main Authors: Hofmeyr, G J Greg, Bester, Marthán Nieuwoudt, Kirkman, Steve P, Lydersen, Christian, Kovacs, Kit Maureen
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: PANGAEA 2010
• Subjects: Arctocephalus gazella; stomach content; Area/locality; Biological sample; BIOS; Bouvet_Is; Bouvet Island; Southern Ocean (Atlantic sector); Identified from scat remains (faeces); International Polar Year (2007-2008); IPY; Species; Taxon/taxa; Antarc*; Antarctic; Antarctic Fur Seal; Antarctic Fur Seals; Antarctic Krill; Bouvetøya; Euphausia superba; International Polar Year; Polar Biology; Southern Ocean
• Online Access: https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.811221; https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.811221

Intraspecific differences in the diets of many species of pinnipeds are to be expected in view of the great differences in morphology, life history and foraging behaviour between the sexes of many species. We examined the diet of the Antarctic fur seal population at Bouvetøya, Southern Ocean, to assess intersexual differences. This was made possible by the analysis of prey remains extracted from scats and regurgitations collected in areas used primarily by one or the other sex. The results indicate that both males and females feed primarily on Antarctic krill Euphausia superba with several species of fish and squid being taken, likely opportunistically given their prevalence. Significant differences were identified in the frequency of occurrence of otoliths in scats and the percentage numerical abundance of the major fish prey species in the diet. Adult males ate a smaller quantity of fish overall, but ate significantly more of the larger fish species. The greater diving capabilities of males and the fact that they are not limited in the extent of their foraging area by having to return regularly to feed dependant offspring may play a role in the differences found between the diets of males and females. Additionally, females might be more selective, favouring myctophids because they are richer in energy than krill. The absence of major differences in the diet between the sexes at this location is likely due to the high overall abundance of prey at Bouvetøya.