Abstract
Seals that survived their first year were on average 2% and 4% heavier at birth and at weaning than the 'non-survivors'. First year survival rates calculated for weaners over 135 kg weaning masses showed these weaners had higher survival rates than those less than 95 kg at weaning (71.55% and 54.15% respectively). Heavy weaners had greater fat reserves than light weaners and gained relatively more mass during lactation. Size, and therefore condition at weaning, influences first year survival.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 149-153 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Antarctic Science |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2000 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Condition
- Maternal expenditure
- Southern elephant seal
- Survival
- Wean mass