Arctocephalus gazella

Antarctic Fur Seal

Hanner: 1.7–2.0 meter; Hunner: 1.2–1.4 meter
12–20 år
Livskraftig
Om

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.

Størrelse

Hanner: 1.7–2.0 meter; Hunner: 1.2–1.4 meter

Vekt

Hanner: 90–210 kg; Hunner: 25–50 kg

Levetid

12–20 år

Status

Livskraftig

Hvor du finner dem

Beste dykkelokasjoner

Sør-Georgia IslandSør-ShetlandsøyeneSør-OrknøyeneBouvetøya

Dykketips

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.

Beste sesong

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

Habitat

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

Kosthold

Primarily Antarctic krill, supplemented with fish and squid
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Morsomme fakta

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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