Modelling the state-dependant life history of Australian fur seals

Environmental impacts on Australian fur seal foraging ecology

Deakin University, Australia​

Deakin University, Australia

I am developing a state-dependant life-history theory model to determine the optimal reproductive and behavioural decisions of female Australian fur seals throughout their lifetime. This will allow me to investigate how changes to the environment impact decisions and identify risk factors for Australian fur seal population recovery. 

Photo by Hanna Geeson

This project combined data from animal-borne biologging devices with environmental data to investigate the influence of environmental variability on the foraging ecology of female Australian fur seals. We found significant changes in where and how females were foraging in response to local- and large-scale environmental conditions. Being central-place foragers, this puts them at risk from anticipated climate change impacts. 

Consistency in Australian fur seal foraging behaviour

Extreme weather and vessel impacts on Australian fur seals

Deakin University, Australia

Using biologging data from female Australian fur seals, I identified the population-level repeatability and individual-level consistency in foraging behaviour. Consistency in some foraging behaviours appeared to benefit individuals through increased foraging success and efficiency but may also hinder their adaptability to environmental change. 

Monash University, Australia

This project used camera traps to investigate the influence of vessel traffic and extreme weather on Australian fur seal behaviour at a high vessel traffic haul-out site. The results suggested that individuals were largely habituated to vessel traffic at the haul-out site, likely due to the long history of ecotourism in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. Severe weather had a more substantial impact on behaviour, with complete inundation of the platform and significant wave action.