Call number:
ZSP-124-93
In:
ANARE research notes
Description / Table of Contents:
Apart from a summary of observations of Weddell seals in the Vestfold Hills in 1966, directed research on Weddell seals did not begin until the commencement of tagging of seals, particulary pups, in 1973. Other studies of the Weddell seal in the Vestfold Hills have been directed at an understanding of their diet, vocalisations, response to anaesthesia, and their genetic make-up. Variable efforts have been made in the tagging and resighting of seals over the years. The data have been unsuitable for the calculation of some population parameters but at the same time they have provided good long-term data on other aspects such as total pup numbers. These data, along with those from aerial censuses and studies of the moult, have allowed an assessment of the methodology of seal censusing to be made. This work has supported the theory that food availablitiy in different years affects numbers of seals censused during the moult, thus calling into question some inter-annual comparisons. In addition there are periods during the moult when aerial censuses are not comparable on an inter-annual basis, due to the composition of the population. This finding has direct relevance to seal monitoring undertaken for the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program. Corrections of anomalies in the Weddell seal data base and a stricter sampling regime dating from the breeding season 1988-89 are expected to return results in the future that will be useful in studying population processes in an environment where the species is not being exploited and its population is regulated by natural factors.
Type of Medium:
Series available for loan
Pages:
V, 64 S. : graph. Darst.
ISBN:
0642212805
Series Statement:
ANARE research notes 93
Branch Library:
AWI Library
Permalink
