The relationship between two species of fur seals Arctocephalus Tropicalis (Gray) and A. Gazella (Peters) on Marion Island

Subantarctic fur seals Arctocephalus tropicalis and Antarctic fur seals A. gazella are sympatric at the Prince Edward Is lands, and appear to be hybridizing. Adult males of both species and the interspecific hybrids can be distinguished using univariate and multivariate analyses of cranial measurements. The two species differed in the electrophoretic mobility of the serum protein, transferrin. The extent of hybridization appears to be limited with the hybrids representing 0,1% of the total fur seal population (34528 A. tropical is and 300-400 A. gazella). Although the seasonal haul-out patterns and breeding habitat preferences of these two species do differ, these differences do not appear to be sufficient to prevent hybridization. Differences 1n suckling periods and pup growth rates may be acting to limit hybridization through pup mortality of hybrids born to A. gazella females.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Pretoria

Year dc:date.issued

1984

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Skinner, J.D. (John Dawson), 1932-

• UCTD
• Relatioships
• Fur seals Arctocephalus Tropicalis (Gray)
• A. Gazella (Peters)
• Marion Island

Statement dc:rights

• © 2021 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/2263/83245

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/83245