Arctocephalus forsteri
New Zealand Fur Seal at Merimbula, NSW
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| Arctocephalus forsteri | Leo | 16 Aug 2018 |
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2 comments
18 Aug 2018
I couldn't tell from the field guide but leant towards NZ thinking I've got a 50/50 chance and waiting for an expert to resolve it.
15 Sep 2018
I sent the image to Amy Harris, who now works on Montague Island. Here is part of her reply:
"I have had a look and it’s a New Zealand Fur Seal Arctocephalus forsteri. Key points in ID are on the head itself. A. Fosteri has a very steep forefead in comparison to Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus. Also the nose itself is very pointed in comparison to A. pusillus doriferus. NZ fur seals also have lots more whiskers. They are also darker in colour with the A. pusillus doriferus having that gorgeous creamy chest which is a lot lighter than in your image. I know this possibly threw you a little in your image as there is some chesnut colouration there but the head is undoubtedly NZ. The the A. pusillus doriferus head is like an intermediate between the steep forehead of the A. Fosteri and the really rounded forehead of a sea lion."
"I have had a look and it’s a New Zealand Fur Seal Arctocephalus forsteri. Key points in ID are on the head itself. A. Fosteri has a very steep forefead in comparison to Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus. Also the nose itself is very pointed in comparison to A. pusillus doriferus. NZ fur seals also have lots more whiskers. They are also darker in colour with the A. pusillus doriferus having that gorgeous creamy chest which is a lot lighter than in your image. I know this possibly threw you a little in your image as there is some chesnut colouration there but the head is undoubtedly NZ. The the A. pusillus doriferus head is like an intermediate between the steep forehead of the A. Fosteri and the really rounded forehead of a sea lion."
Location information
- Coordinates 149.934172-36.883953
- Altitude 19.0m
- Places Merimbula, NSW
Sighting information
- 1 Abundance
- 16 Aug 2018 04:33 PM Recorded on
- Leo Recorded by
Collections
- NSW Government Priority Species Mammals Sea Mammals Leo South Coast NatureMapr Arctocephalus forsteri
Species information
- Arctocephalus forsteri Scientific name
- New Zealand Fur Seal Common name
- Not Sensitive
- Vulnerable *
- Non-invasive or negligible
- Up to 19m Recorded at altitude
- External link More information