Arctocephalus gazella

Antarctic Fur Seal

Masculi: 1.7–2.0 metri; Femele: 1.2–1.4 metri
12–20 ani
Neamenințat
Despre

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.

Dimensiune

Masculi: 1.7–2.0 metri; Femele: 1.2–1.4 metri

Greutate

Masculi: 90–210 kg; Femele: 25–50 kg

Durata de viață

12–20 ani

Statut

Neamenințat

Unde le găsești

Cele mai bune locații de scufundare

Georgia de Sud IslandInsulele Shetland de SudInsulele Orkney de SudInsula Bouvet

Sfaturi de scufundare

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.

Cel mai bun sezon

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

Habitat

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

Dietă

Primarily Antarctic krill, supplemented with fish and squid
Știai?

Curiozități

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

Începe-ți aventura

Pregătit să te scufunzi cu acest animal?

Explorează expedițiile noastre liveaboard către cele mai bune destinații de scufundare