Seal pup survey begins on Calf
Seal pup on the Calf of Man
THE Manx Wildlife Trust has started its annual seal pup survey on the Calf of Man.
And it is marine officer Eleanor Stone who has taken the first week long shift on the small island off the Sound.
A team of volunteers will continue the survey for the next four weeks, to get a full picture of the whole pupping season.
Eleanor has reported that, so far there have already been 14 pups born.
She said: ‘This is a few less than this time last year, but there are still many pregnant females around, just waiting for their time to give birth.
‘Using the unique spotty markings on their head and neck, we have already seen six seals that we recognise from previous years.
‘It is expected that there will be many more coming back in the next few weeks, to the relatively safe and sheltered beaches of the Calf.’
She added: ‘ Two of these mothers are now raising what we know is at least their fourth pup and it’s always good to see them returning for another year.’
‘This ongoing project is giving a much better understanding of just how important the Calf is for the seals around the Isle of Man,’ she explained, ‘as well as allowing us to monitor any changes in how the seals use the islet during this vital life stage.
‘We are grateful to Manx National Heritage for assisting us in conducting the study and to the BBC Wildlife Fund for their financial support.’
The Calf of Man is a nature reserve, cared for by Manx National Heritage. About half the world’s population of Atlantic grey seals live around Britain and they are a protected species under Manx law.
Although it is not known how many grey seals live around the island, it is thought to be in the region of about 300 at any one time.
However seals are highly mobile and can easily and frequently travel across the Irish sea. The island is a useful resting stop on these journeys. Grey seals give birth on land to a single pup, in the autumn.
Mothers tend to return to the same areas each year to give birth.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North west
