Fur seals move north

Forest and Bird, Volume 23, Issue 2, 1 May 1992, Page 4

Fur seals move north

A FUR SEAL breeding colony has been discovered at Cape Palliser on the southern tip of the North Island — the first time the species has bred on the North Island this century. Fur seals have been a common sight around the cape for some years and have used it as a winter haul-out site, but this is the first confirmation they are breeding rather than just temporarily migrating. The Department of Conservation said that 13 pups had been found in the area. A senior marine protection officer, Bruce Dix, said the find was good news. It indicated the species’ population

was rising as well as reclaiming its former range. Up to 500,000 fur seals prospered around New Zealand’s coastline until commercial sealers ravaged the population during the 19th

century. Although they have been protected by law since 1875 the species is still only estimated to number 60,000. Until about 15 years ago breeding colonies, or rookeries as they are known, were

limited to New Zealand’s southern-most regions. But over recent years new rookeries have been found in the northern half of the South Island, and now in the North Island. However, the good news about the colony had a tragic sequel. In March nine pups were found clubbed to death. DoC has asked for public help in finding those responsible. The seals are protected and killing them carries a fine of up to $10,000. Wairarapa businesses have offered a sizeable reward for information leading to the prosecution of the culprits. This follows an incident in Otago where DoC and Forest and Bird offered a reward when a number of adult seals were killed in similar circumstances.