Breeding biology and haul-out pattern of the New Zealand fur seal, Arctopehalus forsteri, at Cape Gantheaume, South Australia

Abstract

New Zealand fur seals, Arctocephalus forsteri, breed at Cape Gantheaume (36°04'S,137°28'E), Kangaroo Island, South Australia, on broken rock platforms. In 1988-89, pups were born between late November and mid-January, 90% of them over 34 days between 3 December and 6 January. The median date of birth was 21 December. A re-analysis of data for this species from three breeding seasons at the Open Bay Islands (South Island, New Zealand, 43°52'S,l68°53'E) indicates that: (i) the breeding season at Cape Gantheaume occurs 5-12 days later than at the Open Bay Islands, (ii) the period containing 90% of births was the same duration for both populations, and (iii) the median date of birth spanned seven days in three seasons at the Open Bay Islands. In addition, the timing and duration of the pupping season varied within the Cape Gantheaume colony, it being later in recently colonised areas. We suggest that this pattern is a consequence of changes in the age distribution of females through the colony. The sex ratio of pups born in the colony over four breeding seasons did not differ significantly from 1:l. Females were mated on average 7.4 days after birth and left for sea 2.3 days later. The mean date of observed matings was 29 December; copulations lasted about 13 min. The operational sex ratio (OSR) in the colony was 8.6 females per territorial male (the maximum ratio of territorial males to pups was 1:16), which was within the range reported for other southern fur seal species. In two consecutive breeding seasons, the estimated fecundity rate of adult females averaged 67%. Non-breeding animals (sub-adult males, juveniles and yearlings) occurred in areas not occupied by breeding animals. The number of juveniles ashore increased after the breeding season, but no pattern was found for sub-adults and yearlings. Yearlings were uncommon in the colony at all times; it is suggested that they are mostly pelagic and do not moult in their second year.