Breeding Habitat Preferences of the New Zealand Fur Seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) on Banks Peninsula

Abstract

Colonies of New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand, were surveyed between March and August 1993 to compare breeding and non-breeding habitat features. Breeding habitat was characterised by large angular boulders, beaches that were steeper than those of non-breeding habitat, and numerous escape zones, crevices and ledges. Non-breeding habitat was less steep, had smaller rounder boulders and was less exposed to the sun. Multivariate analyses confirmed that overall habitat differences were statistically significant (P < 0·05). A linear discriminant function was calculated for the two habitat types. The resulting classification rule suggested that crevices, ledges and slope were particularly useful predictors of breeding status. The rule had 96% success in classifying the original sites as breeding or non-breeding and now requires validation by further field surveys in areas with different climate, geology and latitude. If establishment of breeding colonies at sites currently used only by non- breeding seals can be predicted from habitat features, this could provide useful information for managers of coastal sanctuaries.