Seasonal occurrence of the leopard seal, Hydrurga leptonyx, in the Kerguelen Islands

Abstract

Five consecutive years of observations (1982–1986), mainly along the eastern coast of Kerguelen Island, indicate a seasonal presence of juvenile leopard seals, with a peak in September and October. Smaller numbers of adults are present throughout the year. The occurrence of leopard seals may be related to the presence and period of reproduction of different penguin species (king, gentoo, rockhopper, and macaroni penguins), which are part of the seal diet.