“We know about this phenomenon because carcasses were observed during surveys on the Atlantic coast, but we can now give this figure because the monitoring has been completed and all statistics have been reviewed”, regarding the population living around the Valdes Peninsula .
Let us remember that this province has the largest population of elephant seals (mirounga leonina) in South America, whose habitats are located around the Valdes Peninsula and a little further south in the “Escondida” area, between the Chubut River and Punta The mouth of the Tatumbo River.
Speaking to the media, Bersano admitted that they “cannot ensure that this mortality rate puts the species at risk, but what is certain is that they are puppies and must be available for breeding in future seasons if There is no doubt that “it will affect the reproductive cycle.”
Males of the species are the largest pinnipeds living today and probably the largest pinnipeds that have ever existed in Earth’s history, reaching up to 6 meters and weighing up to 4 tons, while the females do not exceed 3 m. 900 kg.
A harem of several female elephants surrounding a single adult, who in turn must deal with other males vying for leadership, is the most popular site in Punta Norte, northeast of the Valdes Peninsula. One of the wonders of nature.
The death figures are surprising because initial concerns about the impact of avian influenza focused on populations of euphausian and euphausian sea lions, where specimens are more abundant, with just over 250 deaths reported.
Not only did this happen, bird flu also affected coastal bird populations such as snipe, terns, cormorants and penguins, but the numbers were much lower than initially feared.
Bersano also took the opportunity to ask the public “not to approach animals when you see them on the coast, it is dangerous for both humans and animals. We appeal to the conscience of tourists and residents, as they cannot be fined or persecuted, but informed that this is Inappropriate.”