Foraging routes of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) investigated by the concurrent use of satellite tracking and time-depth recorders

Little is known about movement behaviour in terms of route choice in Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella). We deployed satellite transmitters and time-depth recorders simultaneously on 11 animals, and time-depth recorders with a speed recorder on 10 animals, to investigate the foraging routes...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polar Biology
Main Authors: Bonnadonna, F, Lea, MA, Guinet, C
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Springer-Verlag 2000
Subjects:
Environmental Sciences
Environmental Science and Management
Wildlife and Habitat Management
Antarctic
Austral
Kerguelen
Indian
Antarc*
Antarctic Fur Seals
Arctocephalus gazella
Polar Biology
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000050021
http://ecite.utas.edu.au/20147
Description
Summary:Little is known about movement behaviour in terms of route choice in Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella). We deployed satellite transmitters and time-depth recorders simultaneously on 11 animals, and time-depth recorders with a speed recorder on 10 animals, to investigate the foraging routes of Antarctic fur seals belonging to a colony located at Iles Kerguelen (Southern Indian Ocean). The study took place during the 1997/1998 austral summer, and results indicate a preferred foraging area, with two main strategies in route choice apparent during foraging trips. In one strategy seals tended to reach an apparently known foraging ground and stopped there to feed. In the other strategy, animals performed looped trips, foraging en route and probably searching for a food patch better than the one previously exploited.

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