Analysis of subantarctic fur seal ( Arctocephalus tropicalis) records in Bahia and Sergipe, north-eastern Brazil

Abstract

The subantarctic fur seal Arctocephalus tropicalis is widely distributed north of the Antarctic convergence. We analysed data concerning vagrant individuals of A. tropicalis encountered on the beaches of Bahia and Sergipe, north-eastern Brazil, using the Instituto Mamíferos Aquáticos database of occurrences reported between 20 July 1990 and 18 August 2005. The information collected for each case included: date, location of the occurrence, condition of the individual, sex, and total length. Twelve occurrences of A. tropicalis were reported in the study area, with 42% corresponding to sub-adult specimens. All individuals were found alive, but only two were in good health. Most occurrences were reported during the months of July, August and September, a period in which south-eastern winds predominate. The importance of developing public educational campaigns as well as population dynamics studies of this species is discussed.