Arctocephalus gazella

Antarctic Fur Seal

Machos: 1.7–2.0 metros; Hembras: 1.2–1.4 metros
12–20 años
Preocupación menor
Sobre

Antarctic Fur Seal

The Antarctic fur seal has one of the most remarkable conservation comeback stories — hunted to the brink of extinction in the 19th century, their population has recovered to an estimated 4 million individuals, primarily centered on South Georgia Island. Males are territorial and can be aggressive during breeding season, but females and juveniles are often curious and playful.

Tamaño

Machos: 1.7–2.0 metros; Hembras: 1.2–1.4 metros

Peso

Machos: 90–210 kg; Hembras: 25–50 kg

Esperanza de vida

12–20 años

Estado

Preocupación menor

Dónde encontrarlos

Mejores ubicaciones de buceo

Isla Georgia del SurIslas Shetland del SurIslas Orcadas del SurIsla Bouvet

Consejos de buceo

In the water, fur seals — especially juveniles — are incredibly playful and curious, approaching divers closely. On land, males can be dangerous and territorial during breeding season. Always give beachmaster males a wide berth (at least 15 metres). Females and juveniles are generally safe to observe at closer range.

Mejor temporada

November–January (breeding season), pups born November–December

Hábitat

Sub-Antarctic islands, predominantly South Georgia. Breed on rocky beaches.

Alimentación

Primarily Antarctic krill, supplemented with fish and squid
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Datos curiosos

1

They were hunted so heavily in the 1800s that fewer than 100 were thought to remain

2

Males can weigh up to 8 times more than females — one of the largest sexual dimorphisms in mammals

3

Juveniles are extremely playful and often approach divers to play with kelp and each other

4

They can rotate their hind flippers forward to walk on land — unlike true seals

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