Arctocephalus gazella

Antarctic Fur Seal

Mâles: 1.7–2.0 mètres; Femelles: 1.2–1.4 mètres
12–20 ans
Préoccupation mineure
À propos

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.

Taille

Mâles: 1.7–2.0 mètres; Femelles: 1.2–1.4 mètres

Poids

Mâles: 90–210 kg; Femelles: 25–50 kg

Durée de vie

12–20 ans

Statut

Préoccupation mineure

Où les trouver

Meilleurs sites de plongée

Île de Géorgie du SudÎles Shetland du SudOrcades du SudÎle Bouvet

Conseils de plongée

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.

Meilleure saison

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

Habitat

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

Régime alimentaire

Primarily Antarctic krill, supplemented with fish and squid
Le saviez-vous ?

Faits amusants

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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