Australian fur seal foraging consistency data

Substantial variation in foraging strategies can exist within populations,
even those typically regarded as generalists. Specialisations arise from
the consistent exploitation of a narrow behavioural, spatial or dietary
niche over time, which may reduce intra-specific competition and influence
adaptability to environmental change. However, few studies have
investigated whether behavioural consistency confers benefits at the
individual and/or population level. While still recovering from commercial
sealing over-exploitation, Australian fur seals (AUFS; Arctocephalus
pusillus doriferus) represent the largest marine predator biomass in
south-eastern Australia. During lactation, female AUFS adopt a
central-place foraging strategy and are, thus, vulnerable to changes in
prey availability. The present study investigated the population-level
repeatability and individual consistency in foraging behaviour of 34
lactating female AUFS at a south-east Australian breeding colony between
2006 and 2019. Additionally, the influence of individual-level behavioural
consistency on indices of foraging success and efficiency during benthic
diving was determined. Low to moderate population-level repeatability was
observed across foraging behaviours, with the greatest repeatability in
the mean bearing and modal dive depth. Individual-level consistency was
greatest for the proportion of benthic diving, total distance travelled
and trip duration. Indices of benthic foraging success and efficiency were
positively influenced by consistency in the proportion of benthic diving,
trip duration and dive rate but not influenced by consistency in bearing
to most distal point, dive depth or foraging site fidelity. The results of
the present study provide evidence of the benefits of consistency for
individuals, which may have flow-on effects at the population level.