Abstract
Abstract This study is aimed at establishing the mean age at attainment of sexual maturity and birth rates of harbour seals at the Norwegian coast, using information from 172 female and 184 male harbour seals sampled between 62 and 66° N during the period 1977–1982. Based on the occurrence of first time ovulation, the mean age at attainment of female sexual maturity was 3.75 years. The mass of ovaries showed maximum rate of increase between three and five years of age. Testicular growth indicates that males matured between five and seven years of age. The birth rate increased from 0.2 in four-year-old females to 0.5 in six-year-olds and to 0.9 in females eight years of age and older.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
