Phocidae Seal Biology: Traits, Species & Conservation

How many species of Phocidae are there?

19 species

What are the two common genera of Phocidae?

Phoca (common seals) and Monachus (monk seals)

What are the common characteristics of Phocidae?

No external ear flaps, unhinged hind flippers, streamlined bodies, two pairs of flippers, retractable nipples, and internal sex organs.

What is the maximum lifespan of a harp seal?

Approximately 30 years

Where is the harp seal primarily found?

North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean

What is the estimated total population of harp seals?

Approximately 7.5 million individuals

What is the largest population of harp seals and where is it located?

Northwest Atlantic population with about 5 million seals

What is the overall population trend of harp seals according to IUCN?

Decreasing

What is the diving capability of harp seals?

They can dive up to 1,300 feet below the surface for up to 16 minutes.

What is a significant part of the harp seal's diet?

They eat a variety of fish and invertebrates, with over 130 species identified.

What is the mating behavior of harp seals?

Males attract females by blowing bubbles near ice holes, and there is competition among males.

At what age do male and female harp seals reach sexual maturity?

Males at 7-8 years old and females at 4-7 years old.

What is the gestation period for harp seals?

7.5 months active gestation with 4 months of delayed implantation.

How long are harp seal pups nursed?

Pups are nursed for 10-12 days.

What is a fun fact about harp seal migration?

Harp seals migrate thousands of miles every year, traveling up to 3,000 miles as a round-trip.

What are the main threats to harp seals?

Hunting, vessel strikes, entanglement, chemicals, oil spills, and climate change.

What is the conservation status of harp seals?

Listed as 'Near Threatened' by IUCN.

What is the fat content of harp seal milk?

48% fat.

What percentage of harp seal pups may die while waiting for molting?

20%-30% chance of pup mortality.

What is a unique characteristic of harp seal pups after weaning?

They are abandoned by their mother and must wait on ice.

What is the scientific name of the Leopard Seal?

Hydrurga leptonyx

What family is the Leopard Seal a part of?

It is the only living member of the Hydrurga genus.

What is the typical habitat range of the Leopard Seal?

All around the Antarctic Sea.

What temperatures can Leopard Seals tolerate?

Temperatures between -2° and 2° C.

What is the primary diet of Leopard Seals?

They eat penguins, fish, squid, crustaceans, and have specialized teeth for filtering krill.

What is the gestation period for Leopard Seals?

9 months, typically resulting in a single pup.

At what age do Leopard Seals reach sexual maturity?

Around 6 years old.

What is the conservation status of Leopard Seals according to the IUCN?

Listed as Least Concern.

What unique vocalizations do Leopard Seals produce?

They display ultrasonic vocalizations.

What theory explains the unsettling appearance of Leopard Seals?

The Snake Detection Theory (SDT) suggests their skull adaptations trigger an instinctive fear response.

What is the scientific name of the Weddell Seal?

Leptonychotes weddellii

Where is the Weddell Seal predominantly found?

In Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

What is the breeding season for Weddell Seals?

During Antarctic spring (September-December).

How long is the gestation period for Weddell Seals?

11 months with 2 months of delayed implantation.

What is the main diet of Weddell Seals?

They hunt pelagic and benthic organisms such as fish, crabs, octopus, and squid.

What is the IUCN conservation status of Weddell Seals?

Least Concern, with an estimated population of 202,000 to 1,000,000 adults.

What is the primary food source for Crabeater Seals?

Antarctic Krill.

What is the breeding season for Crabeater Seals?

During Antarctic spring (September-December).

What are the possible threats to Crabeater Seals?

Climate change, fishing activity, food availability, diseases, and environmental changes.

What adaptations do Leopard Seals have for feeding?

They possess enlarged heads and wide jaws for filtering krill and catching large prey.

What is a fun fact about Weddell Seals and their feeding behavior?

They bite the ice and swing side-to-side to prevent fast ice from freezing over where they emerge.