Pup production and distribution of the Australian fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, in Tasmania

Abstract

In Tasmanian waters Australian fur seals, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, breed on five islands in Bass Strait with non-breeding haul-out sites situated in Bass Strait and along the south-eastern and southern Tasmanian coastline. Estimates of pup production were obtained over four breeding seasons between 1989 and 1993 by aerial photography, ground counts and mark-recapture censuses. Pupping commences in late October, with 90% of pups born between 2 and 20 December. Pup mortality is estimated at 15% by early January, when ground censusing was conducted. Pup production of breeding colonies in Tasmanian waters was highest in 1991, with 5130 pups estimated to have been born.