Southern Fur Seal
Arctocephalus forsteri
- Class
- Mammal
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 7,646
- Most observed in
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
Arctocephalus forsteri (common names include the Australasian fur seal, South Australian fur seal, New Zealand fur seal, Antipodean fur seal, or long-nosed fur seal) is a species of fur seal found mainly around southern Australia and New Zealand. The name New Zealand fur seal is used by English speakers in New Zealand; kekeno is used in the Māori language. As of 2014, the common name long-nosed fur seal has been proposed for the population of seals inhabiting Australia. Although the Australian and New Zealand populations show some genetic differences, their morphologies are very similar, and thus they remain classed as a single species. After the arrival of humans in New Zealand, and particularly after the arrival of Europeans in Australia and New Zealand, hunting reduced the population to near-extinction.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Arctocephalus forsteri”.