Activity in a non‐breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals, Arctocephalus forsteri (note)

Abstract

The behaviour of male New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) was observed at a non‐breeding colony during the winter. Seals spent less time lying and more time interacting socially, moving about, and engaged in comfort behaviours, than they do during the breeding season. Lying behaviour was more likely to occur during the afternoon, and was most prevalent when there was little cloud or wind. By contrast, seals were most active in the mornings (social interactions and comfort behaviours), and under cloudy (social interactions) and windy conditions (moving about). We suggest that the activity of the seals was, at least in part, a thermo‐regulatory response to the prevailing environmental conditions, allowing them to avoid overheating while on land.

Keywords:

• Arctocephalus forsteri
• New Zealand
• fur seal
• behaviour
• activity budget
• environmental conditions
• thermo‐regulation
• diurnal