Understand, discover, explore, conserve.
The Cape Fur Seals Research Project
The Cape fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) is better known as white shark prey. However, in its own right this remarkable species represents an intelligent and efficient predator whose ability to adapt to its surrounding environment has seen its population thrive since sealing was outlawed in Southern Africa in the 80’s. SAMPLA’s Cape fur seal research project is primarily based on the complex anti-predation strategies adopted by Cape fur seals to minimize the likelihood of shark predation. Through our collaborations with Marine and Coastal Management, SAMPLA is also assisting in studies investigating the feeding behavior of the Cape fur seal and its role in the marine ecosystems.
Predator avoidance strategies of the Cape fur seal
The water directly adjacent to Seal Island, Mossel Bay is abound with patrolling white sharks. As a response to this, Cape fur seals have adopted specific anti-predation strategies to successfully maneuver through the attack zone.
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Dietary analysis of Cape fur seals through fecal analysis
By virtue of their position at the apex of the food chain, marine top predators integrate processes occurring at lower trophic levels and hence are potentially good indicators of ecosystem changes.
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Entanglement of Cape fur Seals in human debris
The Cape fur Seals are naturally inquisitive animals, and as such are vulnerable to entanglement of human debris that fails to biodegrade with time. As an entangled animals grows, debris cuts into the fur and skin causing horrific injuries.