Decadal changes in blood δ¹³C values, at-sea distribution, and weaning mass of southern elephant seals from Kerguelen Islands.

ABSTRACT: Changes in the foraging environment and at-sea distribution of southern elephant seals from Kerguelen Islands were investigated over a decade (2004-2018) using tracking, weaning mass, and blood δ¹³C values. Females showed either a sub-Antarctic or an Antarctic foraging strategy, and no significant shift in their at-sea distribution was detected between 2004 and 2017. The proportion of females foraging in sub-Antarctic versus Antarctic habitats did not change over the 2006-2018 period. Pup weaning mass varied according to the foraging habitat of their mothers. The weaning mass of sub-Antarctic foraging mothers' pups decreased by 11.7 kg over the study period, but they were on average 5.8 kg heavier than pups from Antarctic foraging mothers. Pup blood δ¹³C values decrea

SUBMITTER: Mestre J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7482287 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature