Agonistic behavior of the Baikal seal Pusa sibirica (Gmelin, 1788) on a coastal rookery: aggressive and pacifying patterns

Abstract

The purpose of the article was to describe the agonistic behavior of the Baikal seal Pusa sibirica at the coastal rookery based on the analysis of video materials obtained during continuous fi lming over several seasons at one of the main coastal rookeries on Dolgiy Island (Ushkany Islands, Lake Baikal). The original ethogram of aggressive and pacifying behavior was compiled for the species, including 20 behavioral patterns. Visual patterns play a predominant role in agonistic relations of seals at coastal rookeries. Due to diverse pacifying patterns, the Baikal seal can gather in relatively numerous haul-outs (tens of individuals) in a limited space of coastal rookeries and coexist quite peacefully without causing signifi cant damage to each other, limited to rare minor injuries. Almost all agonistic interactions of seals on coastal rookeries are caused by competition for territory, a limited resource. The most common is front fl ipper swing and fl ipper hit (imitation and contact). The frequency of its use (48–64%) depends on the density and size of the substrate. Frequency of fi ghts in the water is up to 18%. Other commonly used pacifying patterns include tactile infl uences of varying intensity (up to 55%) and descent into the water or fl ight (8–18%).