Status of Australian Fur Seals, Arctocephalus Pusillus doriferus (Carnivora: Otariidae) At Cape Bridgewater, Victoria.

Abstract

Australian fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus are well known at Cape Bridgewater (38° 23'S, 141° 25'E) in western Victoria. The colony consists of a rock platform at the base of a 50m cliff and two caves. Fur seals frequent nearby waters within 50 m of shore. Between 21 November 1995 and 22 June 1996, the maximum number of fur seals recorded was 640 and the minimum was 207. The number of fur seals visible from the observation points and inside one of two caves is dependent on sea conditions. Juveniles were the most abundant age-class. A single pup was recorded during the pupping season. This study confirms that Cape Bridgewater should be considered a non-breeding colony.