Introduction Small marine carnivores inhabiting fragmented rocky coastlines are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic pressures, yet mortality drivers in these systems remain poorly quantified. Methods We analyzed 22 years of carcass records (2003–2024) and standardized necropsies to evaluate the contribution of anthropogenic causes and their spatial and temporal patterns in marine otters ( Lontra felina ) from north-central C...

The tissues and parasites collected from Peruvian fur seals ( Arctocephalus australis ) and South American sea lions ( Otaria byronia ) found dead at Punta San Juan, Peru were examined. The respiratory mite, Orthohalarachne attenuata infected 3 out of 32 examined fur seals and 3 out of 8 examined sea lions, however caused moderate to severe lymphohistiocytic pharyngitis only in fur seals. Hookworms, Uncinaria sp , infected 6 o...

As part of population dynamics studies of the South American fur seal ( Arctophoca australis gracilis ) rookery at Punta Weather in Guafo Island (43°36'S, 74°43’W), the causes and extent of pup mortality were monitored. During four breeding seasons, daily counts of live and dead pups were carried out to determine pup production and pup mortality. Dead pups were retrieved from the rookery to perform necropsies. The mean pup pro...