South african fur seal

Size

The South African fur seal, or Cape fur seal, is the largest species of its genus. Striking size differences exists between the two sexes, where the male may weigh up to 300 kg compared to the female’s more demure 100 kg.

Ecology

There are two subspecies of this fur seal; the South African or Cape fur seal (A. p. pusillus) and the Australian fur seal (A. p. doriferus). The Australian fur seal population is believed to derive from the South African fur seal population. Fur seals congregate in colonies of 500 to 3 000 animals on small rocky inshore islands, but are also found on mainland beaches.
Males are polygamous and territorial during the breeding season. During a six-week breeding period they do not leave land, and aggressively defend their territories from occupation by other males.

Food habits

The South African fur seal eats mostly fish and squid caught near the water’s surface, but also shellfish.

Longevity

South African fur seals live for 20 years.

Reproduction

After mating, there is a 3-month delay in the implantation of the fertilised egg. This ensures that the pups will always be born in summer. At this time the chances of survival are highest as the weather is warmer and food is in greater abundance.
A single pup is usually born after a gestation period of approximately 12 months and is nursed for 1 year, while the mother prepares to mate again shortly after giving birth. Until the birth of the next pup, the first gains fish-hunting skills in preparation for adulthood.

Conservation status

At the beginning of the 20th century the South African fur seal was endangered due to hunting. In 1973, the South African government introduced legislation for the complete protection of these seals, with the exception of particular chosen colonies, where controlled permits for culling were issued. The number of fur seals has steadily increased since those changes were introduced, and today the species is no longer threatened.