The Antarctic Fur Seal
The Antarctic Fur Seals come from the sea lion family. Unlike other seals the Fur Seals are not typical seals. The Fur Seal has ear flaps which allow super hearing and excellent eyesight. The Fur Seals are carnivores (meat-eaters) and are amazing hunters.
The Fur Seal’s scientific name is Arctocephalus Gazella. The name Arctocephalus Gazella means bear headed in Latin combined with the ship’s name that first sighted them.
The Fur Seal’s scientific name is Arctocephalus Gazella. The name Arctocephalus Gazella means bear headed in Latin combined with the ship’s name that first sighted them.
Antarctic Fur Seals are amazing looking animals even though they are the smallest of the seals. On land the furry Seals walk on all fours and seem rather clumsy but in water they use their jet propeller like front flippers to hunt at incredible speeds. The Fur seals are mammals and have different coloured fur such as black, brown or grey. With predatory instincts the fur
seals are sleek stealthy and deadly.
Antarctic fur seals are found near cold waters and rocky land.They are mainly found near the Antarctic Peninsula or South Georgia, a Sub-Antarctic island. Male fur seals survive up to 15 years while females can live for 23.The life cycle of a Fur Seal is fairly simple. First they migrate,then they breed and after that they start moulting.
seals are sleek stealthy and deadly.
Antarctic fur seals are found near cold waters and rocky land.They are mainly found near the Antarctic Peninsula or South Georgia, a Sub-Antarctic island. Male fur seals survive up to 15 years while females can live for 23.The life cycle of a Fur Seal is fairly simple. First they migrate,then they breed and after that they start moulting.
The Antarctic Fur Seal’s diet consists of krill, fish, squid and crustaceans. The Fur Seals are the secondary consumers on the Antarctic food chain but they are hunted by Leopard seals and Killer Whales.
The Antarctic fur seal lives in large groups called colonies. A colony can have up to a hundred seals in it. Fur Seal colonies are found near northern and southern beaches. When hunting the seals swim by themselves or in groups. Studies in Alaska show that mother seals use similar calls to their babies to find each other. Even after a separation of 4 years the seals could recognize each others calls.
The Antarctic fur seal lives in large groups called colonies. A colony can have up to a hundred seals in it. Fur Seal colonies are found near northern and southern beaches. When hunting the seals swim by themselves or in groups. Studies in Alaska show that mother seals use similar calls to their babies to find each other. Even after a separation of 4 years the seals could recognize each others calls.
The Antarctic Fur Seals mate in South Georgia. Almost 95% of seals breed there while others breed on nearby islands. The male Fur Seals battle each other to see who will mate with the females .The fur seals are ready to breed when they are 3.5 years old. The females give birth to one calf per year.
The Antarctic Fur Seals have been hunted nearly to extinction for their oil and fur. The Fur Seals were protected in 1911 yet are still threatened by illegal fishing and other human activities.
Antarctic Fur Seals are amazing creatures and an important part of the Antarctic ecosystem. We must protect this amazing gift in order for it to survive.
The Antarctic Fur Seals have been hunted nearly to extinction for their oil and fur. The Fur Seals were protected in 1911 yet are still threatened by illegal fishing and other human activities.
Antarctic Fur Seals are amazing creatures and an important part of the Antarctic ecosystem. We must protect this amazing gift in order for it to survive.
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