AQUATIC MATING STRATEGIES OF THE MALE PACIFIC HARBOR SEAL (PHOCA VITULINA RICHARDII): ARE MALES DEFENDING THE HOTSPOT?

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2004.tb01184.x
• Publication Date: 2006-08-26T20:39:57Z
• Authors: Sean A. Hayes; Daniel P. Costa; James T. Harvey; BURNEY J. le Boeuf
• Keywords: Harbor seal; Fur seal

A bstract Compared to the harem and resource defense systems of terrestrial mating pinnipeds, males aquatic species appear unable monopolize females or resources. We investigated movements, acoustics, territorial behavior male harbor seals, Phoca vitulina richardii , in Elkhorn Slough, California, using VHF telemetry, hydrophones, acoustic playback experiments. During season 22 increased time spent water away from haul‐out locations, exhibiting activity patterns similar Atlantic subspecies. Two display were observed. At one location multiple aggregated with peaking month before peak estrus. two other lone displayed primarily during Acoustic areas non‐adjacent a mean ± SE size 4,228 576 m 2 seal Moray Firth, Scotland. Underwater playbacks vocalizations used define boundaries by inducing responses territory‐holding males. Four solitary defended adjacent territories (mean area 39,571 18,818 ) along travel corridor, observations seals at Miquelon, Newfoundland. stations appeared be subcomponents larger territories. Males exhibited site fidelity for least 2–4 yr. Females moved through freely. The establishment male‐display female‐traffic corridors resembles described as hotspot leks.