Advances in New Zealand mammalogy 1990–2000: Pinnipeds

Letter to the editor

“…As we noted, Worthy (1992Worthy ( , 1994 documented fossil evidence for the former breeding distribution of the sea lion well north of Stewart Island, extending to beaches on the Aupouri Peninsula (Gill 1998). Even in the absence of fossils, it is unlikely that a major beach, such as that at Mason Bay, near suitable feedings grounds, was without a sea lion population, given that the species still occurs on Stewart Island and pups have been born recently on Butterfield Beach, on the east coast of Stewart Island, at Codfish Island (within sight of Mason Bay), and on the Otago coast (Harcourt 2001). The widespread occurrence of sea lion bones in early Polynesian sites (Harcourt 2001) suggests that the fossil record does not yet reflect the complete complement of former breeding sites.…”

“…Even in the absence of fossils, it is unlikely that a major beach, such as that at Mason Bay, near suitable feedings grounds, was without a sea lion population, given that the species still occurs on Stewart Island and pups have been born recently on Butterfield Beach, on the east coast of Stewart Island, at Codfish Island (within sight of Mason Bay), and on the Otago coast (Harcourt 2001). The widespread occurrence of sea lion bones in early Polynesian sites (Harcourt 2001) suggests that the fossil record does not yet reflect the complete complement of former breeding sites. Windiness may have been a factor in whether or not Mason Bay was occupied, but Mason Bay cannot be much windier than Northwest Bay on Campbell Island, which is a breeding site.…”

Attack on blue penguin by a New Zealand fur seal

“…New Zealand fur seals primarily feed on squid and small mid-water fish, although they are also known to take larger species such as conger eel (Conger verreauxi), barracuda (Thyrsites atun), jack mackerel (Trachurus declivis) and hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) (e.g. Carey 1992;Fea et al 1999;Holborow 2000;Harcourt 2001;Harcourt et al 2002). Predation on blue penguins has not previously been described within this region.…”

“…Actocephalus forsteri breeds on offshore temperate and sub-Antarctic islands, around South and Stewart Island, with its range expanding up the north Island (e.g. Harcourt 2001;Bouma et al 2008). Within the Hauraki Gulf, a coastal shallow sea situated to the north of Auckland City (36851?S, 174846?E), fur seal sightings have historically been rare.…”

“…However, most available data originate from dietary analyses (e.g. Carey 1992;Fea et al 1999;Holborow 2000;Harcourt 2001;Harcourt et al 2002) rather than behavioural observations (Notman 1985).…”