Southern fur seal
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Southern fur seal
Southern fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) diving in a kelp forest. The southern (or South American) fur seal hunts mostly at night, diving up to 170 metres to feed on fish and krill. It is preyed on by sea lions, sharks and killer whales. It is found around the rocky coasts of the southern part of South America, and southern Atlantic islands. It breeds in large, densely- populated colonies. Like sea lions, fur seals are members of the family Otariidae which is distinguished from the " true" seals by the presence of external ears. Hunting for fur reduced their numbers, but the population has since recovered. Photographed on South Georgia Island
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6462362
© DOUG ALLAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Carnivore Carnivorous Diving Falkland Islands Fish Eater Fish Eating Hunted Kelp Mammal Oceanic Otariidae Pinniped Piscivore Piscivorous Sea Weed South American South Georgia Sub Antarctic Submerged Arctocephalus Australis Eared Southern Fur Seal
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the grace and agility of a Southern fur seal as it dives through a vibrant kelp forest. The Southern fur seal, scientifically known as Arctocephalus australis, is an incredible marine mammal that primarily hunts at night. With remarkable diving abilities, it can plunge up to 170 meters deep in search of its preferred diet consisting of fish and krill. However, life underwater is not without its dangers for this magnificent creature. Sea lions, sharks, and even killer whales pose threats to the Southern fur seal's survival. Despite these challenges, they can be found along the rocky coasts of southern South America and southern Atlantic islands. Breeding in large colonies characterized by high population density, these eared pinnipeds have made a remarkable recovery from historical overhunting for their valuable fur. Belonging to the family Otariidae alongside sea lions, one distinguishing feature is their external ears. The mesmerizing image was captured on South Georgia Island in subantarctic waters—an area teeming with diverse wildlife and rich marine ecosystems. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and resilience found within our natural world while showcasing the intricate balance between predator and prey beneath the ocean's surface. This stunning photograph from Science Photo Library offers us a glimpse into the captivating world of this carnivorous mammal amidst an enchanting underwater landscape filled with swaying kelp forests and abundant marine life.
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