Our biologist Prof. Eduardo Secchi , together with other scientists, has published an article 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 and how the animals have partially changed their diet from fish to squid. This is probably due to the progressive overfishing of their prey fish by industrial fishing. In addition, an increased intake of marine litter, especially flexible plastic material, by the animals was noted. The previous long-term study for this article was supported by YAQU PACHA. For YAQU PACHA, scientific findings are the most important basis for the development of sustainable species protection measures.
de Lima et al. (2023) Feeding habits of South American and sub-Antarctic for seals