IMIS - Marine Research Groups

Database with number of individuals and distribution of the southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) of Península Valdés, Argentina,breeding colony. Censuses on foot of the entire colony were carried out during the peak of the breeding season (October 3-7) when most of the population is ashore. All the breeding groups were counted and located. Demographic data also encompass reports of solitary individuals along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South America and offshore islands. Dispersion from 1990 to 2006 was obtained from surveying scientists and opportunistic sightings of naturalists, rangers and fishermen. Previous information was assessed with published records.