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Seals and sea lions are one of the few groups of marine mammals that live in the Antarctic. There are 2 natural groups of seals, true (earless) seals and fur seals which have small flaps over their ears, and are related to sea-lions. Six different species of seal live in Antarctic waters: Ross, Weddell, crabeater, leopard, fur and elephant seals.
- Weddell Seal. Without doubt one of the cutest looking seals in Antarctica, Wedell seals tend to stay in groups on inland fast ice during the Antarctic summer months.
- Southern Elephant Seals. Southern elephant seals are the largest seals on earth and the males can reach weights of up to 4,000 kg (8,800lb). Whilst they are big and lumbering on land, Elephant seals are incredibly good swimmers and often dive down in excess of 2 km!
- Antarctic Fur Seal. The smallest seals in Antarctica, the Southern fur seal is actually closely related to dogs and sea lions. Like both creatures, fur seals have long whiskers, sharp teeth and a similar thick fur coat.
- Leopard Seal. Easily identified with its long slender body, pretty markings and large fore-flippers, the Leopard seal is one of Antarctica’s best predators.
Signed on 1 June 1972 and entered into force in 1978, CCAS provided protection for all six Antarctic seal species in the waters south of 60 degrees South. CCAS proved successful in allowing seal populations to recover and thrive after decades of commercial exploitation in the Antarctic. View More.
Antarctic fur seals are carnivores (piscivores), they mainly eat fish, krill, crustaceans, and cephalopods like squid and octopodes. In the South Georgia Islands, the mackerel icefish is the main prey. They may also prey on some smaller penguins. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores.
Leopard seals use their powerful jaws and long teeth to kill smaller seals, fish, and squid. These effective predators live in frigid Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, where they also eat penguins.
Leopard Seal Profile. The leopard seal is a carnivorous mammal known for its slender body and powerful jaws. Their exceptionally sharp teeth and impressive speed has allowed them to develop into one of the top predators in the Antarctic. Sometimes called the sea leopard, these agile animals feast on penguins, other seabirds, and shellfish.
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Gray seals are gregarious animals—they gather in large groups on shore to breed, give birth, and molt. Female gray seals live up to 35 years and males about 25 years. Gray seals primarily hunt squid, fish, and sandeels; their main predators are humans, sharks, and orcas. Gray seal pups are born in autumn (September to November) in the eastern ...
