Fence effects on the behavioural responses of South American fur seals to tourist approaches

Abstract

Animals that breed in coastal colonies, such as pinnipeds, usually attract tourism, which can negatively affect their resting and breeding behaviour if not managed properly. One strategy to reduce human disturbance is to set up fences, but little is known about their local effectiveness. Our purpose was to assess the behavioural responses of South American fur seals (Arctocephaalus australis) towards tourist approaches before and after the implementation of fences in Cabo Polonio colony (Uruguay). We found that human disturbance levels were similar between years and that the presence of a fence reduced (1) overall fur seal responses to tourists by 60%, (2) the most intense behavioural responses (threat, attack, leaving the colony) by more than half, (3) the responses to large tourist groups (>2 people), which were the most disturbing, (4) the responses to closer (<10 m) tourist approaches, and (5) the responses involving more intrusive tourist behaviours (running, shouting, hand waving). Overall, we showed that after the erection of the fence not only human–wildlife interactions were reduced but also the most stressful fur seal behavioural responses. Although further studies are necessary, our results suggest that the implementation of fences can be a simple and affordable means of minimising human disturbance effects on pinnipeds at local levels (e.g., within colonies), particularly if combined with other strategies (e.g., changes in tourist attitudes).