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Identifying prey items from New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) faeces using massive parallel sequencing

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An Erratum to this article was published on 27 July 2016

Abstract

The New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) is one of many pinniped species that has shown a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction after cessation of commercial sealing during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is commonly believed that this species competes with recreational and commercial fisheries. We identified prey items using massive parallel sequencing from New Zealand fur seal faecal samples that were collected throughout the species distribution. The data support generalist feeding behaviour for this species. The diet composition showed significant geographical and inter-seasonal variation. As many as 46 species of fish and 18 species of cephalopod were identified from a single colony. The data suggest cartilaginous species (sharks, rays, and skates) constitute an important part of the New Zealand fur seal diet. Approximately 10 % of the species identified in the seal diet were of significant commercial value, which indicates some qualitative food competition between New Zealand fur seals and commercial fisheries in exploiting marine species.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to New Zealand Department of Conservation and its local rangers. The contributions of all local i wi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mamoe, Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Kuia, Te Ati Awa, Waitaha, Ngāti Kahungunuki Wairarapa, Taranaki, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngā Ruahine, Ngā Ruanui, Ngā Rauru, and Te Āti Hau, are acknowledged. The contributions of Mehdi Mahjoob for graphical re-creation of the figures are acknowledged. We would also like to thank Thomas A. Gavin, Professor Emeritus, Cornell University, for help with editing. We are thankful to two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments on the initial version of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology, Lincoln University, Lincoln, 7647, New Zealand

    Arsalan Emami-Khoyi, Adrian M. Paterson, Robert H. Cruickshank, James G. Ross & Elaine C. Murphy

  2. Micro-Seq Enterprises, Las Vegas, NV, 89130, USA

    David A. Hartley

  3. New Zealand Department of Conservation, Wellington-Tearo, 6011, New Zealand

    Laura J. Boren

  4. Centre for Wildlife Management and Conservation, Lincoln University, Lincoln, 7647, New Zealand

    James G. Ross & Elaine C. Murphy

  5. Touro University Nevada, Henderson, NV, 89014, USA

    Terry-Ann Else

Authors
  1. Arsalan Emami-Khoyi
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  2. David A. Hartley
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  3. Adrian M. Paterson
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  4. Laura J. Boren
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Correspondence to Adrian M. Paterson.

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The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper. This work was supported by Lincoln University.

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Emami-Khoyi, A., Hartley, D.A., Paterson, A.M. et al. Identifying prey items from New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) faeces using massive parallel sequencing. Conservation Genet Resour 8, 343–352 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-016-0560-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-016-0560-9

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