Animal Sciences Commons^™

Mortality Rate Trends Of Australian Fur Seal Pups, Arctocephalus Pusillus Doriferus, And Possible Factors Affecting Pup Mortality In The Bass Strait Of Australia, Theresa Waters

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Australian fur seals (AFS), Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, are upper trophic predators endemic to the Bass Strait of south-eastern Australia. Their populations have been monitored since the mid-1900s to assess ecosystem health and the continual recovery of the species from extensive hunting in the early 19th century. The best way to track the environmental conditions and recovery of AFS populations is by monitoring the pups that are confined to the breeding colonies. This study looked particularly at the mortality rates of AFS pups because mortality of the young is a good indicator of population dynamics. The aim of this study was …