Arctocephalus gazella

Antarctic Fur Seal

Machos: 1.7–2.0 metros; Fêmeas: 1.2–1.4 metros
12–20 anos
Pouco preocupante
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.

Tamanho

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

Peso

Machos: 90–210 kg; Fêmeas: 25–50 kg

Expectativa de vida

12–20 anos

Estado

Pouco preocupante

Onde encontrá-los

Melhores locais de mergulho

Geórgia do Sul IslandIlhas Shetland do SulIlhas Órcadas do SulIlha Bouvet

Dicas de mergulho

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.

Melhor época

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

Habitat

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

Alimentação

Primarily Antarctic krill, supplemented with fish and squid
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Curiosidades

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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