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Age-related reproductive variation in a wild marine mammal population

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Abstract

Life history theory predicts a change in reproduction success with age as energy resources are limited and must be allocated effectively to maximize reproduction and survival. In this study, we use three reproductive performance measures, maternal expenditure, offspring weaning mass, and first-year survival, to investigate the role that maternal age plays in successful reproduction. Long-term uninterrupted life history data available for Marion Island’s southern elephant seals and mass change estimates from photogrammetry data allow for assessment of age-related reproduction performance and trade-offs. Known-aged adult females were photographed for photogrammetric mass estimation (n = 29) and their pups weighed at weaning during the 2009 breeding season. Maternal age and proportional mass loss positively influenced pup weaning mass. In turn, first-year pup return rates (as a proxy for survival) were assessed through the intensive mark–recapture program. Pup survival increased with female age and weaning mass. Pups of young females aged 3–6 years have a lower first-year survival probability compared with pups of older and larger females.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the South African Department of Environmental Affairs for providing logistical support within the South African National Antarctic Programme and the Department of Science and Technology (administered through the National Research Foundation) for funding the marine mammal monitoring programme at Marion Island. The Marion Island seal researchers of 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 in particular are thanked for their endless hours of data collection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology & Entomology, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa

    Martin Postma, Marthán N. Bester & P. J. Nico de Bruyn

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  1. Martin Postma
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  2. Marthán N. Bester
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  3. P. J. Nico de Bruyn
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Correspondence to Martin Postma.

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Postma, M., Bester, M.N. & de Bruyn, P.J.N. Age-related reproductive variation in a wild marine mammal population. Polar Biol 36, 719–729 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-013-1298-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-013-1298-4

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