Essai de dénombrement de la population d’éléphants de mer (Mirounga leonina (L.)) des îles Kerguelen (49 °S, 69 °E)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
To determine the size of part of the elephant seal population (M. leonina L.) of the Kerguelen Archipelago [Indian Ocean], a count was made along the coast from the Cascades River to Molloy. After determining the synchronization of the reproduction in terms of territory and time, a counting frame was established to calculate the percentage of breeding females on shore when the count was effected at a moment T of the period of reproduction. Using a life table (Laws, 1960) the total population was determined, both young and adult, which frequent that part of the shore extending from Molloy Point to the Cascades River. A study of the evolution of the population size during the last 20 yr indicates an increase in the number of individuals. An attempt is made to explain this evolution.