Some Factors Affecting the Size of British Grey Seal Populations

Abstract
Age specific survival and fecundity are evaluated for the rapidly increasing British grey seal [Halichoerus grypus Fabricius] population. The effect of changes in these values on the rate of increase of the population are investigated. The only known density dependent mechanism operates on pup survival and has only a small effect on the rate of increase. There is no evidence of a change in age at 1st pregnancy with increasing population size. Small changes in adult survival have a large effect on the population rate of increase, but no natural mechanisms that directly affect adult survival were identified. Ultimate population size appears to be set by the number of potential breeding sites.

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