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Population increase in the Amsterdam Island fur seal <i>Arctocephaius tropicalis</i> at Gough Island


M.N. Bester

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 200000, 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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eISSN: 2224-073X
print ISSN: 1562-7020