antarctic fur seal facts

During the 18th through to the early 20th centuries, all fur seal populations on sub-Antarctic islands were decimated by the sealing industry for oil and skins. Males have a dark grey to black back. Males are substantially bigger than females. Diet Antarctic Fur Seals mainly feed on krill, but they will also eat fish and squid. The Antarctic Fur Seal is one of the smallest Antarctic seals, but it is still a fairly large animal. Both can be about 6.5 feet in length.

Antarctic Fur Seal – Arctocephalus gazella Description. The northern fur seal and hooded seal are vulnerable. They have more threats from predators -- including humans -- and pollution than their Antarctic cousins. At Macquarie Island, all 3 species of fur seal can be found: Antarctic fur seals and sub-Antarctic fur seals which both breed there, as well as New Zealand fur seals which occur in large numbers but do not breed. The males feature a very dark brown color. Adult males of measure 1.6-2 m in length and weigh between 90-210 kg, averaging 188 kg.

In proportion to their size, fur seals have longer flippers and their coat is also darker. On average, they have a lifespan of 12 to 30 years. The females are lighter grey in color. Antarctic Fur Seal - Southern Fur Seal - Arctocephalus gazella Once close to extinction, fur seals are restricted mainly to the sub-Antarctic islands, with 95% of the worlds population being found on the island of South Georgia. With a size of just 3.3 feet in length, Galapagos seal is the smallest of all seals. The coloring of the Antarctic Fur Seals allow them to be easily identified.

Antarctic Fur seals are usually brown in coloration with a slightly more light brown or grey tone in newly molted juveniles and females. Males arrive first to stake out breeding territories, a process that gets violent and involves much fighting between the bulls to prove dominance and control preferred areas close to shore but behind the high-tide line. Unlike some other species of Seals Antarctic Fur Seal have visible ears.

It is the only member of the ‘eared seal’ family found in the Antarctic. Other facts. Large herds of fur seals congregate at established breeding grounds annually. The Caribbean monk seal was declared extinct in 2008. In weight, the females are five times lighter than the male fur seals. Other facts. Antarctic Fur Seals can be found in the Antarctic and subantarctic waters.

They have more threats from predators -- including humans -- and pollution than their Antarctic cousins. While there's no one species called the Arctic seal, six seal species live in the Arctic region: ribbon seals, ringed seals, harp seals, bearded seals, hooded seals and spotted seals. Subantarctic fur seals are medium in size animals which are recognized by their characteristic “face mask”. Antarctic Fur seals are usually brown in coloration with a slightly more light brown or grey tone in newly molted juveniles and females. Both sexes have distinctive, creamy-orange chests and faces. It can grow up to 2 metres (6.5 ft.) long, and weighs up to 200 kg (440 lbs). Antarctic fur seals, Arctocephalus gazella (Peters, 1875), also known as Kerguelen and southern fur seals, like other fur seals, are distinguished by the presence of external ears and their ability to use their flippers to prop themselves up into a “standing” position. Pups are black at birth, but most at about 3 months old.

The northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) is a migratory inhabitant of northern seas, breeding in summer on the Pribilof, Komandor (Commander), and other islands.Prized for its chestnut-coloured underfur, it is a gregarious, vocal animal that feeds on fish and other marine animals. They usually feed at night at depths of 30 - 40 m (98 - 131 ft) but they have been known to dive as deep as 250 m (820 ft). Despite its lack of natural resources such as soil and trees, Antarctica is surprisingly inhabited with numerous types of animals, including seals. Antarctica is roughly 98 percent ice, according to the Central Intelligence Agency.

While there's no one species called the Arctic seal, six seal species live in the Arctic region: ribbon seals, ringed seals, harp seals, bearded seals, hooded seals and spotted seals. The males can weight up to 460 pounds but the females are much smaller at about 200 pounds. The northern fur seal and hooded seal are vulnerable. Interesting Fur Seal Facts.

The Caribbean monk seal was declared extinct in 2008. Their bellies are more brownish. Breeding The females offer more of a grayish color as due to the young pups.