Abundance of Antarctic fur seals in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, during the 1986/87 austral summer

A survey of Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, during the 1986/87 austral summer indicated that this species is continuing its population recovery and recolonization of rookery sites following 19th Century commercial exploitation. Eleven fur seal pupping sites were identified, some of which had not previously been reported. The largest pupping sites were at Telmo Island and Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island, and at the Seal Islands, Elephant Island. Total fur seal pup production in the South Shetland Islands in 1986/87 was estimated to be approximately 4000 individuals.