Found along the southern and southwestern coasts of Africa (Namibia and South Africa) and the southeastern and southern coasts of Australia, this species is remarkable for bridging two continents in its range. Covered in a thick coat of chocolate-brown to dark gray fur, with lighter bellies, they are perfectly suited to the cold waters of their range. Their long whiskers, sharp teeth, and playful, dog-like faces make them one of the most charismatic marine mammals in their habitats.

Unlike true seals, fur seals have strong front flippers that allow them to move with surprising agility on land. This lets them climb over rocky shores and even up steep cliffs to rest, breed, and escape predators. At sea, they’re exceptional divers and swimmers, capable of plunging to over 200 meters (656 feet) deep and holding their breath for up to 7 minutes. Their diet is broad and adaptable, including fish, squid, and crustaceans, making them skilled hunters in different environments.

Afro-Australian fur seals breed in massive rookeries, with thousands of individuals crowding sandy beaches or rocky shores during the breeding season. Males arrive first and fiercely defend territories, often fighting other males to secure harems of females. These battles can be intense, with loud barks, charging, and dramatic posturing, though most are more show than actual physical harm.

Their playful nature often brings them close to human swimmers and divers, and they’re known for blowing bubbles and performing flips underwater, almost like acrobats of the sea. Despite their bulk, they can leap impressively out of the water, sometimes launching onto rocks in a single bound. Their dense fur, once prized by hunters, is what gave all fur seals their name, though today they are protected in most regions.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Angola

2015

Australia

2015

Gabon

2015

Vagrant

Namibia

2015

South Africa

2015