Tl. Rogers et Mm. Bryden, DENSITY AND HAUL-OUT BEHAVIOR OF LEOPARD SEALS (HYDRURGA LEPTONYX) INPRYDZ BAY, ANTARCTICA, Marine mammal science, 13(2), 1997, pp. 293-302
The spatial distribution of leopard seals along the fast-ice edge in t
he austral spring and summer of 1992 and 1993 in Prydz Bay, Antarctica
, was determined by aerial surveys. Fewer individuals were observed wi
thin the area, and the seals observed were larger, in 1992 than in 199
3. Comparison of the distributions and relative sizes of the seals sug
gests that there may be an age-related difference in spatial behavior.
The greater degree of separation among older seals may be due to intr
aspecific aggression increasing with age, a hypothesis supported by th
e high incidence of intraspecific scarring noted on leopard seals in t
his region. The seals' haul-out behavior was negatively related to win
d-chill index.