Distribution and diving behaviour of crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus) off Queen Maud Land

Eight crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus) (three females, five males), ranging in body mass between 125 and 220 kg, were captured off Queen Maud Land (70–72°S, 7–16°W) during the last week of February, just after moulting, and tagged with Argos satellite-linked dive recorders to provide data on location and diving depth and duration. During the first few weeks of March the seals were moving in the pack ice along the continental shelf edge, close to the coast of Queen Maud Land. In April and May, when the pack ice extended northwards, most of the seals moved north, one reaching 63°S in late May. In the first half of June the two remaining seals turned south and moved back deep into the pack ice. The seals made about 150 dives per day each throughout the study period. Ninety percent of these were made to depths of less than 52 m. Individual maximum diving depths varied between 288 and 528 m. In March the seals were most active at night, when the dive depth was shallower than during the day. In April and May the seals were more active during day-time, with an absence of any diurnal change in divng depth. These results support the notion that crabeater seals predominantly feed on krill in Antarctic pack ice, even when winter returns to the waters off Queen Maud Land.Publication no. 134 of the Norwegian Antarctic Research Expedtion 1992/1993     

Age estimation and growth layer patterns in teeth of crabeater seals: A comparison of techniques

Age estimation of marine mammals provides important information about ecological and life history parameters. Counting growth layer groups (GLGs) in the dentine and cementum of teeth is the most common technique for age estimation in pinnipeds. In this study, we used acid-etched canines (n = 38) and decalcified stained postcanine sections (n = 40) to calibrate readings in mummified crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga). A subsample of this group received a prior cleaning treatment of boiling the teeth with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Ages ranged from 0 to 31 years. Dentine from canines and cementum from postcanines showed higher estimated ages (maximum 31 years) than dentine from postcanines (maximum 24 years), mainly in those teeth that did not receive prior treatment. Boiling with H₂O₂ has shown to affect cementum structure and, thus, results in underestimated ages, but dentine did not seem to be affected. The results presented here showed that ages can be estimated for the crabeater seal regardless of which tooth/tissue or method is used, at least for seals <13 years old. However, nontreated, stained thin sections of postcanine teeth are recommended because more reliable age estimations in older crabeater seals are obtained.     

Intestinal lactase and other disaccharidase activities of a suckling crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus)

1. The intestinal disaccharidase activities of a suckling crabeater seal were investigated. 2. Lactase, maltase, isomaltase and cellobiase activities were readily detected but trehalase and sucrase activities were absent. 3. The intestinal homogenates were separated into a soluble (S2) fraction and a particulate brush border (P2) fraction. The lactase activities of the two fractions had different properties corresponding to those of an acid and a neutral beta-galactosidase respectively. Approximately two-thirds of the total lactase activity measured at pH 6.0 was due to the acid beta-galactosidase. 4. The isomaltase and cellobiase activities were found almost exclusively in the particulate fractions but about one third of the maltase activity was in the S2 fraction. This soluble maltase activity appeared to be due to an acid maltase.     

CRABEATER SEALS LOBODON CARCINOPHAGUS DURING THE BREEDING SEASON: OBSERVATIONS ON FIVE GROUPS NEAR ENDERBY LAND, ANTARCTICA

Observations on five groups of crabeater seals were conducted between 29 October and 17 November 1985 in the Antarctic pack ice near 66°S 50°E, off Enderby Land. The pups studied were born in the last half of October. Two of them increased in weight at a rate of approximately 4.2kg per day. Pups were weaned in the first half of November at 80–110 kg. The lactation period was 2–3 wk and thus is one of the briefest among pinnipeds. Pups decreased in weight after weaning. The only pup visited after it left the natal floe must have been feeding, as it had lost only 2 kg in a 10–day period during which it moved 13 km. Molt of lanugo appeared to be influenced more by a pup's weight than by whether or not it was weaned.     

Histological,histochemical, and ultrastructural investigations on the gastrointestinal system of antarctic seals: Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) and crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus)

The morphology of the principal sections of the gastrointestinal system of two Antarctic seals with different dietary habits, namely, the Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) and the crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus), has been investigated. Histologically examined by light microscopy, the tissue layers of the gastrointestinal tract of both seals are almost identical to those observed in most other mammals and no major differences in principle organization could be found between the two seal species. The ultrastructure of the gastric and intestinal epithelial cells has been examined and is also closely comparable to that of these cells in other mammals; however, Paneth cells have not been found in our material. In general, therefore, adaptations of the gastrointestinal tract to the aquatic environment or the diet are not obvious at the morphological levels of organization studied. Histochemical differences are found between the two closely related species; mucins of the surface epithelium in the stomach of Weddell seals are highly sulfated, while those in the crabeater seal are not. Mucous neck cells in Weddell seals contain acid mucosubstances, while those of crabeater seals contain neutral ones. Goblet cells in the small and large intestine in Weddell seals contain both neutral and acid mucosubstances. Both mucin types are detected in the crabeater seal; however, the mucins of the colon in the crabeater seal are more highly sulfated than those in the Weddell seal. The ratio of globet cells to enterocytes in the large intestine of crabeater seals is higher than that in Weddell seals. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

USE OF A PETHIDINE AND MIDAZOLAM COMBINATION FOR THE REVERSIBLE SEDATION OF CRABEATER SEALS (LOBODON CARCINOPHAGUS)

Between October and December of 1996–1999, off eastern Antarctica (60°-150°E), we darted 31 crabeater seals with midazolam and pethidine at estimated dose rates of 0.15–0.4 mg/kg and 1–3 mg/kg, respectively. Maximum sedation was reached at 23 ± 9 min (n = 18) and first signs of recovery were noted at 54 ± 24 min (n = 4). Seals greater than 250 kg body-mass were sedated by administration of approximately 90–100 mg midazolam and 600 mg pethidine, but the degree of sedation was unpredictable and did not permit invasive procedures in some cases. Behavior of the seal and adjacent conspecifics affected the success of procedures and our ability to monitor vital signs. Naloxone and flumazenil reversed sedation, making this combination attractive for use in animals adjacent to water. Additional ketamine was administered to two seals, resulting in improved restraint.     

Body size and composition of Crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus), with observations on tissue and organ size in Ross seals (Ommatophoca rossi)

Linear body measurements and body weights of 17 Crabeater seals and four Ross seals were recorded, and the relationships of weight to linear dimensions were calculated. There were no significant differences between sexes of these relationships in Crabeater seals. All Ross seals were males.
The major body components (blood, fat, skin, muscle, bone, connective tissue and viscera) of seven Crabeater seals were weighed after dissection.
Blood, fat and skin of two Ross seals were weighed. Weights of 22 visceral organs of the same animals, and linear bone dimensions of eight Crabeater seals and skull measurements of five Ross seals were recorded.
There was no significant difference between sexes or ages in body composition of Crabeater seals. Relatively, Crabeater and Ross seals had less blood (9–10% body weight) than Elephant seals, and less fat (21–22% body weight) than most other marine mammals. The low body fat content may have been attributable to season and physiological status of the animals when dissected. The percentages of body weight represented by the other major components of Crabeater seals were: skin 8%, muscle 44%, bone 10%, connective tissue 0.7% and total viscera 8%. These figures, and the relative sizes of individual organs, were discussed in relation to their possible function in Crabeater and Ross seals.     

Seasonal haulout patterns of crabeater seals (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lobodon carcinophaga</Emphasis>)

The haulout patterns of five adult and two juvenile crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) were documented from February to December 1995 in three areas of the Antarctic. The longest haulout event was 19.2 h (mean=7.9, median=7.8); the longest in-water event was 85.8 h (mean=15.1, median=14.2). In no month were more than 76% of the adult seals in our sample hauled-out simultaneously. Multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance tests revealed no difference between males and females in the daily timing of haulout (P>0.05) between March and August (the only months with an adequate sample); in contrast, haulout timing differed between juvenile and adult seals (P<0.05) except in May. Juveniles spent about twice as much time hauled-out on the ice as adults (38% vs 20%, respectively; P<0.05). Predator avoidance by juveniles is hypothesized to be a possible cause for these differences. In light of these haulout patterns, population surveys of crabeater seals conducted in February, and as close as possible to local solar noon, can be expected to encounter the highest proportion of seals hauled-out on ice.

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Behavioral effects of environmental enrichment on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) and gray seals (Halichoerus grypus)

Zoos and aquariums have been incorporating environmental enrichment into their animal care programs for the past 30 years to increase mental stimulation and promote natural behaviors. However, most attempts to document the effects of enrichment on animal behavior have focused on terrestrial mammals. Staff at the National Aquarium in Baltimore conducted an investigation of the behavioral effects of enrichment on the seven harbor seals and two gray seals housed in the aquarium's outdoor seal exhibit. We expected that enrichment would change the amount of time the animals spent engaged in specific behaviors. The behaviors recorded were: resting in water, resting hauled out, maintenance, breeding display, breeding behavior, aggression, pattern swimming, random swimming, exploration, and out of sight. Activity levels (random swimming and exploration) were expected to increase, while stereotypic behaviors (pattern swimming) were expected to decrease. The frequency and duration of behaviors were documented for 90 hr in both the control phase (without enrichment) and the experimental phase (with enrichment). Statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in the time spent in pattern swimming, random swimming, exploration, and out of sight were observed between the two phases. With enrichment, pattern swimming and out of sight decreased, while random swimming and exploration behavior increased. These findings demonstrate that enrichment can promote behaviors (random swimming and exploration) that are likely to be normal for phocids in the wild, and that may contribute to the behavioral complexity of these seals in captivity. Zoo Biol 21:375–387, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Architecture and functional aspects of the distal airways of Antarctic seals with different habits,the Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) and the Crabeater Seal (Lobodon carcinophagus)

Summary The lung of the deep diving Weddell Seal is characterized by an unusually well developed periacinar dense collagenous connective tissue, and a thick coat of smooth musculature particularly in the distal bronchioli. Both, collagen and smooth musculature appear to be functionally interrelated, the first serving presumably as site of origin or attachment for the latter. The orientation of the bronchiolar smooth muscle cells is complex: there exists a basic pattern of two crisscrossing helical bundles that wind in opposite direction. In addition, longitudinal bundles are frequent both at the inside and the outside of the muscular coat. Furthermore, more or less complete ringshaped bundles occur as well as groups of muscle fibres running radially into the collagenous tissue of the surroundings of a bronchiolus. This complex architecture presumably allows active adjustment to various physiological needs of the Weddell Seal including as extremes both closing and widening of the bronchiolar lumen. Isometric contractions of the smooth musculature may stiffen the wall of the distal airways while diving. In the Crabeater Seal which dives for shorter durations and by far less deeply than the Weddell Seal, both periacinar collagen and bronchiolar smooth musculature are of similar arrangement, however, occur in considerably reduced amounts. A rich supply of autonomie nerve fibres with abundant varicosities controls the smooth muscle cells, which are interconnected by gap junctions and receive their innervation par distance (visceral type of smooth musculature). The majority of varicosities contains small clear vesicles, as is typical for cholinergic nerves, suggesting a strong parasympathetic influence. Other varicosities are presumably of peptidergic type. Mast cells and epithelial endocrine cells may exert additional influence on the musculature.     

Increasing numbers of harbour seals and grey seals in the Solent

Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) both occur within the UK, but display regional contrasting population trends. While grey seals are typically increasing in number, harbour seals have shown varying trends in recent decades following repeated pandemics. There is a need for monitoring of regional and local populations to understand overall trends. This study utilized a 20‐year dataset of seal counts from two neighboring harbours in the Solent region of south England. Generalized additive models showed a significant increase in the numbers of harbour (mean 5.3–30.5) and grey (mean 0–12.0) seals utilizing Chichester Harbour. Conversely, in Langstone Harbour there has been a slight decrease in the number of harbour seals (mean 5.3–4.0). Accompanying photographic data from 2016 to 18 supports the increase in seal numbers within Chichester Harbour, with a total of 68 harbour and 8 grey seals identified. These data also show evidence of site fidelity of harbour seals in this area, with almost a quarter of animals resighted within the past three years. Overall, this long‐term study indicates an increasing number of both harbour and grey seals within the Solent. However, more research is required to identify the drivers of this trend.     

Dinucleotide microsatellite markers from the Antarctic seals and their use in other Pinnipeds

Twenty‐four microsatellite loci were isolated from three species of Antarctic seals (Subfamily Monachinae, Tribe Lobodontini). Eleven loci were cloned from Weddell seal, Leptonychotes weddellii, seven from leopard seal, Hydrurga leptonyx, and six from crabeater seal, Lobodon carcinophagus. Variability was assessed in Weddell seals collected in McMurdo Sound, leopard seals from Bird Island, South Georgia, and crabeater seals sampled in the eastern Ross Sea. All loci were variable in the three species used for cloning and 22 of these loci amplified variable products in the Ross seal, Ommatophoca rossii. Cross‐species amplification was largely successful, with an average of 19 loci amplifying products in other phocids.     

Ecogenetic studies on the function of pseudocholinesterase in serum of Antarctic species (Lobodon carcinophagus,Leptonychotes weddelli,Arctocephalus tropicalis and Aptenodytes fosteri)

Summary Pseudocholinesterase activity (EC 3.1.1.8, PCHE) is present in serum of antarctic species Lobodon carcinophagus, Leptonychotes weddelli, Arctocephalus tropicalis and Aptenodytes fosteri. Compared to humans, enzyme activities were low in these species, activities were more comparable to those of the other carnivora. Dibucaine hydrochloride in concentrations of 0.01 mmol/l inhibited PCHE activity to 100% whereas sodiumfluoride inhibited PCHE in only one crabeater seal by 9%. Under standard conditions fluoride (0.05 mmol/l) activated the enzyme of all investigated species by 27.2% (range: 2.7–82.4%). Average activation was 13% in male seals and 58% in female seals (t=4.06, P=0.02). It is suggested that activation of pseudocholinesterase by fluoride is necessary for antarctic species to warrant neurochemical function controlled by acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7).     

Age structure and multi-model growth estimation of longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus (Dasyatidae: Myliobatoidei) from north-east Brazil

We collected 729 Hypanus guttatus from the northern coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), of which 196 were used to estimate age and growth. Ninety-five were male (12.7 to 57.0 cm disc width; W_D) and 101 were female (13.0 to 88.5 cm W_D); females were significantly larger than males. Cross sections of vertebrae showed band-pairs ranging from 0 to > 14 in females and from 0 to 9 in males. New-borns presented an opaque edge at birth in vertebrae without a birthmark. The average percentage of error (APE; %E) for the entire sample provided evidence that ages were repeatable. The mean monthly marginal increment (I_M) indicates annual band-pair formation from August to November. The annual cycle model for one band-pair deposition provided the best fit to data based on the AIC, with peaks between August and October, similar to that found in the I_M analysis, suggesting an annual formation pattern. A multi-model approach that included four models based on the observed mean W_D at age indicated a modified von Bertalanffy growth model as the best for describing the species growth: W₀ (W_D at birth) = 14.6 cm for both sexes; females W_∞ = 98.61 cm (95% CI = 87.34–114.61 cm); k = 0.112 year⁻¹ (CI = 0.086–0.148 year⁻¹); males W_∞ = 60.22 cm (CI = 55.66–65.35 cm); k = 0.219 year⁻¹ (CI = 0.185–0.276 year⁻¹). The age-at-maturity in males and females is 5 years and 7 years, respectively. The age composition shows that most (84%) specimens were aged 0 to 2 years. The information provided here is essential for analytical assessments of H. guttatus, which is subject to significant fishing pressure mainly on new-borns and juveniles.     

Diets of hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) in coastal waters and drift ice waters along the east coast of Greenland

To provide data on the diets of hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) in the Greenland Sea, seals were collected for scientific purposes on expeditions conducted in the pack ice belt east of Greenland in September/October 1999, 2002 and 2003 (autumn), July/August in 2000 (summer), and February/March in 2001 and 2002 (winter). The results from analyses of stomach and intestinal contents from captured seals revealed that their diet was comprised of relatively few prey taxa. The squid Gonatus fabricii and polar cod (Boreogadus saida) were particularly important, whereas capelin (Mallotus villosus) and sand eels (Ammodytes spp.) occasionally contributed more. These four prey items constituted 60-97% of the diet biomass. Gonatus fabricii was the most important food item in autumn and winter, whereas polar cod dominated the summer diet, with important contributions from G. fabricii and sand eels. The latter was only observed on the hooded seal menu during the summer period, whereas polar cod, which was an important component during the autumn survey, was almost absent from the winter samples. During the latter survey, capelin also contributed to the hooded seal diet. Samples obtained from hooded seals in more coastal waters indicated a more varied diet based on fish such as polar cod, redfish (Sebastes sp.) and Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides).     

仙湖苏铁种群年龄判断及年龄结构特征

根据苏铁类植株体残存的营养叶叶基数、开花痕数以及生长单元发生率等茎干特征, 建立了仙湖苏铁种群年龄判断方法,计算出该种群年龄. 进一步采用年龄结构图、年龄分布 曲线和曲线估计等方法,从基株和无性系水平探讨了仙湖苏铁种群的年龄结构特征.年龄结构 图显示,仙湖苏铁无性系种群为稳定种群,基株种群为衰退种群;年龄分布曲线和曲线估计结 果则表明仙湖苏铁无性系和基株种群均为衰退种群. 综合3种方法的分析结果,仙湖苏铁 种群为衰退种群,必须采取一定措施予以保护.