San Miguel Island is inhabited by a unique assemblage of six species of seals. Five of the species breed on the Island. Brief species accounts are included. The most recent addition to the pinniped fauna of the Island is a small colony of northern fur seals which was found in 1968 and probably became established during the last 10 years. That colony has been studied during the breeding seasons of 1969 and 1970. The colony contains from 300 to 400 animals and judging from production and mortality figures it does not appear to be growing and may not be doing well in this new habitat.
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