Seal population dynamics and ecology

This paper examines the effect of ecological factors on life history events and population dynamics of the Antarctic seal species. Data for the crabeater ( Lobodon carcinophagus ) and Weddell ( Leptonychotes weddelli ) seals allow considerable insight into the most significant influences on population growth patterns. For the Weddell, it is suggested that random environmental events seem to play a significant role and influence different demographic parameters. When these are correlated with influences by man, caution is desirable, as the overall influence on the population may be considerable. For the crabeater, while the data are rather meagre, the role ofleopard seal ( Hydrurga leptonyx ) predation on young of the year appears significant. Additional data on leopard seal contact are needed. In general, the structural differences between the pack ice and the fast ice environments and the influence of predators seem to be the most important factors influencing both the life history patterns and the seasonal events which play a significant role in the population dynamics of the Antarctic seal species.