Population Increase in the Amsterdam Island Fur Seal Arctocephalus Tropicalis at Gough Island |
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| Authors: | MN Bester |
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| Institution: | Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa |
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| Abstract: | Population size of Arctocephalus tropicalis on Gough Island was determined by direct censuses of parts of the coast during the summers of 1974 – 1976 and 1977 – 1978 and correction factors for undercounting and seasonal cycles were applied. Present population size is approximately 200 000, giving an intrinsic rate of increase of 15,9% per year since 1955/56, but is now approaching the negative acceleration phase in population growth as a result of optimal breeding space becoming limited. An extension of breeding colony sites has also occurred since 1955. |
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