Arctocephalus gazella

Antarctic Fur Seal

Hanar: 1.7–2.0 meter; Honor: 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.

Storlek

Hanar: 1.7–2.0 meter; Honor: 1.2–1.4 meter

Vikt

Hanar: 90–210 kg; Honor: 25–50 kg

Livslängd

12–20 år

Status

Livskraftig

Var du hittar dem

Bästa dykplatser

Sydgeorgien IslandSydshetlandsöarnaSydorkneyöarnaBouvetön

Dyktips

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.

Bästa säsong

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

Livsmiljö

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

Föda

Primarily Antarctic krill, supplemented with fish and squid
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Roliga 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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