We are raising funds for a one-of-a-kind northern elephant seal research project. This spring, researchers at Año Nuevo Reserve discovered a seal with the body size and droopy nose of a male and the reproductive anatomy of a female. Now identified as “99P,” this remarkable individual has generated significant scientific interest regarding its development and life history.
We are excited to be launching a collaborative project that will compare 99P’s genetic, anatomical, physiological, acoustic, and behavioral traits to those of typical males and females. This presents a unique opportunity to gain unprecedented insight into the development of these traits, how genes and hormones affect development, and the underlying factors that drive sex-based differences in this sexually size dimorphic species. As far as we know, this is the first time a wild mammal with mixed sex-linked traits has been studied in such detail.
During the summer, researchers from the Beltran and Costa Labs successfully deployed biologgers and collected detailed measurements and samples, while researchers from the Pinniped Cognition and Sensory Systems lab collected acoustic recordings. With these tools we can ask and answer novel questions, including:
- What are 99P’s sex chromosomes and how does its hormonal profile compare with other adult seals?
- Where does 99P forage in the ocean? Is its foraging migration route closer to the coast (typical of adult males) or out in the open ocean (typical of adult females)?
- Do 99P’s vocalizations sound more similar to males or females?
To maximize the impact of this research, we need to raise $50,000 to support analysis and collaboration between 30 researchers, including students. This funding will cover essential lab work and data processing, and support respectful observation and behavioral tracking of this individual, which are essential to the success of this project. Your generous support will help make this extraordinary project possible.
