Our biologist, Prof. Eduardo Secchi, has published an article in collaboration with other scientists on the feeding habits of the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) and the sub-Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis). The study shows how the feeding habits of these two species have changed over the years, with the animals partially shifting their diet from fish to squid. This is likely due to the ongoing overfishing of their prey fish by industrial fisheries. Additionally, an increased ingestion of marine debris, particularly flexible plastic material, by the animals was observed. The long-term study underlying this article was supported by YAQU PACHA. For YAQU PACHA, scientific findings are the most important foundation for developing sustainable species conservation measures.
de Lima et al. (2023) Feeding habits of South American and sub-Antarctic fur seals