A review of the recent records of pinnipeds (Mammalia, Carnivora) on the coast of Espírito Santo state, Brazil

Abstract

To improve the knowledge of the occurrence of pinnipeds along the coast of Espírito Santo state, Brazil, we compiled occurrence data of pinnipeds from the period from 1987 to 2010 based on the scientific literature, newspapers and novel observations. Twenty-two records were found, which correspond to three species: South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis), Subantarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis), and Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina). All records of pinnipeds are limited to the state’s southern coast (south of 20˚07ʹ S), which is consistent with the southern origin of these vagrant individuals. However, there may be bias due to the larger human population density in that region and the greater likelihood of observation. All records for which the date is known occurred during June to September, the austral winter. These records demonstrate that although the Espírito Santo coast is more than 2,000 km north from the nearest breeding colony of these species, it may still serve as wintering grounds for vagrant pinnipeds.