The current population status of Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) on the San Benito Islands, Mexico

Abstract

The Guadalupe fur seal population at San Benito Islands is experiencing an exponential increase (r = 18.9%, r2 = 0.96) in this first phase of population growth. A similar pattern (r = 13.3%) was observed for Guadalupe fur seals from Gudalupe Island. The relatively rapid growth of the fur seal population on the San Benito Islands is due mainly to an increase in the number of females during the first 2 yrs and of juveniles during the last 2 yrs. The number of males and pups has been fairly constant over time. Apparently this first phase of population growth has been largely the result of the emigration of animals from GI; the only other breeding colony of the species.