Variability in Body Condition and Growth Rates for Rehabilitated Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) Pups

• DOI: 10.1578/am.48.3.2022.234
• Publication Date: 2022-05-12T14:28:04Z
• Authors: Sarah J. Teman; Denise J. Greig; Sarah M. Wilkin; Joseph K. Gaydos
• Keywords: Harbor seal; Condition index; Morphometrics

In the United States, Canada, and Europe harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups are commonly rehabilitated after stranding then released. Size at release is likely important to post-release survival; however, data have not been compiled track body condition of seals across U.S. To better understand spatiotemporal variations in morphometrics during rehabilitation release, this study retrospectively analyzed conditions, weights, lengths, growth rates Body index (BCI) was calculated, weight BCI were modeled regionally temporally. There significant variation weight, length, BCI, rate for released between East West Coasts among different years. Growth slower than reported wild from birth weaning. Length a strong predictor weight. Because animals similar weights can alone might be best criterion pre-release condition. A score incorporating possibly other variables such as age or axillary girth could more informative; on survival needed evaluate these options.