168 



NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA 68 



was resident at Amlia for a number of years. The 1959 aerial 

 surveys revealed that a small population occupied the south side 

 of the island, the greatest number being near the eastern extremity 

 (fig. 77 and table 25). The 1962 survey confirmed that this popula- 

 tion is resident but time v^as not available then to resurvey the 

 north coast. In 1965 the entire coastline was surveyed but otters 

 were seen only on the south coast. The increase between 1962 and 

 1965 from 111 to 212, a doubling of the population, may in large 

 measure be attributed to immigration from the west. 



If repopulation of this island proceeds in a way similar to 

 population spread observed in other areas (Amchitka and Adak, 

 for example) the north coast can be expected to repopulate after 

 the present population on the south coast has increased 

 considerably. 



Seguam Island. — This is the easternmost island in the Andreanof 

 group (U.S. Board on Geographic Names, 1963). It is separated 

 from Amlia by Seguam Pass, 16 miles of deep water and strong 

 currents. It has no human inhabitants. 



The Murie expeditions did not find sea otters at this island but 

 information from Aleutian natives indicated that otters had been 

 seen there (Williams, 1937). The first specific evidence that sea 

 otters occupied Seguam was found on our 1959 aerial survey. The 

 1962 and 1965 surveys confirmed that the small population is 

 resident and is growing slowly. An increase of approximately 

 10 percent per year (from 28 to 47 otters in 6 years) mpj represent 

 the rate of increase due to reproduction in an isolated, unerowded i 

 population. 



Because the population today is so small (table 25), it seems 

 unlikely that otters survived the period of unregulated exploitation 

 in this location. It appears more probable that wanderers from 

 the larger populations in the west reached Seguam in recent years 

 and remained there either because the habitat is desirable or 

 because the width of Amukta Pass discouraged emigration to the 

 Islands of Four Mountains. The relatively slow rate of increase, 

 however, indicates that immigration is, as yet, not appreciable at 

 this rather isolated location. 



Islands of the Four Mountains 



From Amukta Island northeastward to Kagamil Island on 

 Samalga Pass is about 70 miles. There is no human population in; 

 this island group, therefore few surface observations are available. 

 The survey of 3 March 1960 covered all coastlines and was made' 

 under excellent conditions. On 7 April 1962, survey conditions 



