A remarkable marine mammal that lives in the cold waters of the Southern Ocean, especially around the sub-Antarctic islands like South Georgia and the South Shetland Islands. These seals are known for their thick fur, which is one of their most distinctive features. The fur is incredibly dense, with around 60,000 hairs per square inch, making it one of the densest furs in the animal kingdom. This thick fur helps keep them warm in the frigid waters they call home. The outer layer of their fur is waterproof, while the inner layer traps air, providing insulation against the cold.
One of the most interesting aspects of Antarctic fur seals is their social structure during the breeding season. Males arrive at the breeding sites, called rookeries before the females to establish territories. These territories are fiercely defended, with males often engaging in loud, aggressive displays and even physical fights to keep rivals away. Each successful male can gather a harem of several females within his territory, and he will guard them closely throughout the breeding season. The females give birth to a single pup, which they nurse for about four months. During this time, the mothers take turns going out to sea to feed and returning to nurse their pups.
Antarctic fur seals have made a significant recovery from near extinction. In the 19th century, they were heavily hunted for their fur, and their population dwindled to just a few thousand individuals. However, since hunting was banned, their numbers have rebounded impressively, and today, there are estimated to be several million Antarctic fur seals. This recovery is a conservation success story, showing how protective measures can help endangered species bounce back.
Distribution
Atlantic Ocean
Indian ocean
Pacific ocean
Antarctica
Argentina
Australia
Bouvet Island
Brazil
Chile
French Southern T.
Heard & McDonald
Saint Helena
South Africa
South GeorgiaAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Rookeries
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
