Líffræðifélag Íslands - biologia.is
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2023
Höfundar / Authors: Margaret J. Lawler (1,2), Marianne Rasmussen (3), Haseeb Randhawa (1), Sandra M. Granquist (2,4)
Starfsvettvangur / Affiliations: 1.University of Iceland and The Icelandic Seal Center 2.The Icelandic Seal Center 3.University of Iceland Research Center in Húsavík 4.Marine and Freshwater Research Institute
Kynnir / Presenter: Sandra M. Granquist
Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) vocalizations have been studied previously in different regions of their distribution range, but never in Iceland. This pilot study aims to, for the first time, map harbor seal vocalizations and to understand how vocalization parameters and rates are affected by environmental and temporal factors in Iceland. Vocalizations were recorded for 178 days during the summer of 2022 at three haul out sites around Vatnsnes peninsula, NW Iceland (Svalbarð, Illugastaðir, and Ósar). Six vocalization types were identified during the pupping, feeding, and mating/molting periods. Generalized linear models revealed varying influences on vocalization parameters at the different sites (including tide height, air temperature and temporal factors) despite the sites’ similarities in topographical features. The rate of vocalizations was influenced by temporal factors and temperature to the greatest effect. Higher vocalization rates were observed at Illugastaðir (seal watching site) when compared with Svalbarð (a site closed to tourists). The difference observed between these sites could possibly be due to tourist disturbances. Pup vocalizations were more frequent than adult vocalizations during the pupping period, warranting further investigation into the population composition. This study establishes a foundational understanding of harbor seal vocalizations on Icelandic haul outs, however highlighting the need for improved data collection methods in the future.