Behaviour of harbour seal (<em>Phoca vitulina vitulina</em>) mother-pup pairs in Irish Sea intertidal habitats

Abstract

Information is sparse on harbour seal pupping dates and mother-pup behavioural ecology in Ireland. Here we define the pupping season and quantify the behaviour of mother-pup pairs in intertidal habitats of Dundrum Bay, north-east Ireland. Seals were counted and video footage was taken of mother-pup pairs at a rocky ledge site and a sandy beach site between 2002 and 2015. We recorded distances between pups and their mothers, filial social interactions, pup resting behaviours and mother scanning at three intertidal zones: the water, water's edge and dry ledge or beach. The peak pupping time was 04–15 July at both sites, but the pup-to-adult ratio was higher at the rocky ledge site. Pups almost always remained less than 1m away from their mothers, and were closest while mother and pup rested in the dry zone. Filial social interactions were most frequent in the water, least frequent in the dry zone and intermediate at the water's edge; suckling occurred almost exclusively at the water's edge. Our findings highlight the essential features of a harbour seal pup's social and physical environment. We suggest how these features could be incorporated into the design and procedures of rehabilitation centres for ‘orphan’ pups.