Location and recognition of pups by adult female harp seals

Harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) cows use visual, auditory and olfactory clues to locate and/or identify their pups. Identification is made at a close range and the pups are approached from a distance in a random manner. The topography of the ice supporting the pups changes frequently. These changes probably preclude or reduce the use of spatial memory by the adults. Because the pups cannot be identified at a distance, and because of the absence of stable landmarks, the adult must probably remain relatively close to her pup at all times. The large number of pups in the area suggests that random searching will not be efficient. The ability of various mammalian species to utilize spatial memory may well influence their modes of locating and identifying their young.