Arctocephalus gazella

Antarctic Fur Seal

Maschi: 1.7–2.0 metri; Femmine: 1.2–1.4 metri
12–20 anni
Minima preoccupazione
Informazioni

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.

Dimensioni

Maschi: 1.7–2.0 metri; Femmine: 1.2–1.4 metri

Peso

Maschi: 90–210 kg; Femmine: 25–50 kg

Durata della vita

12–20 anni

Stato

Minima preoccupazione

Dove trovarli

Migliori siti di immersione

Georgia del Sud IslandIsole Shetland MeridionaliIsole Orcadi MeridionaliIsola Bouvet

Consigli per le immersioni

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.

Stagione migliore

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

Habitat

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

Alimentazione

Primarily Antarctic krill, supplemented with fish and squid
Lo sapevi?

Curiosità

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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