Twinning is extremely rare in pinnipeds. Instances in which a female is observed simultaneously nursing 2 pups may represent alloparenting, or nonfilial nursing, a relatively common trait in pinnipeds. We explored the incidence of twinning in the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi). We observed 7 sets of putative twins (i.e., an isolated female nursing 2 newborn pups) of 4,965 total births recorded between 1983 and 2008 (minimum twinning rate = 0.1%). Genetic specimens from the mother and both pups were available only for 5 of the 7 sets. Microsatellite genotyping revealed all of these to be dizygotic twins, with low probability of false assignment (P < 0.001). On average, Hawaiian monk seal twins were less likely to survive to weaning than singletons born in the same year and on the same island (P = 0.008). Those that weaned were smaller in size (i.e., axillary girths 1–4 SDs lower than singletons). In the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal twinning appears to be a rare trait that results in overall lower survival rates but also offers a small opportunity for stock enhancement.
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15 April 2011
Dizygotic twinning in the Hawaiian monk seal
Jennifer K. Schultz,
Brenda L. Becker,
Thea C. Johanos,
Jessica U. Lopez,
Lizabeth Kashinsky
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Journal of Mammalogy
Vol. 92 • No. 2
April 2011
Vol. 92 • No. 2
April 2011
fecundity
maternal investment
microsatellite
Monachus schauinslandi
multiple maternity