Recurrent sightings of a Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) on the southeast coast of Brazil, 2012 – 2017

Abstract

We report four years (2012-2015) of consecutive observations of the same juvenile male Southern elephant seal along the coast Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil, identified based on scars of cookiecutter shark bites. In 2015 three bacteries were isolated from a recent lesion using routine methods of bacterial culture and identification, and a large number of barnacles were seen attached to the fur of other body regions, especially on the pelvic limbs and lower back. We collected 12 barnacles from different body areas, and identified all of them as Eared barnacles (Conchoderma aurita). Additionally, a sample of feces was obtained and analyzed through simple-flotation, revealing helminth eggs compatible with Contracaecum sp.