Seals

1
Seals

• R.M. and D.S.

2
Distribution and Species

• 18 True Seals
• 14 Eared Seals
• The Antarctica ice seals ?approx 1/2 of the
  entire worlds population of pinnipeds

3
Common Characteristics

• Layer of blubber
• Diet
• Fish
• Crustaceans
• Krill
• Other seals? leopard and fur seals
• Life cycle
• Birthing depends on location
• Congregate during molt, birthing, juvenile haulout

4
True Vs. Eared

• Family Phocidae
• Small holes to ear? not visible
• Hind flippers shorter
• Family Otariidae
• Ear flaps
• Nails on flippers

5
Threats

• Artic seals? prey to animals and humans
• Pollution
• Overfishing? reduced food
• morbilli virus infection ? harbor seals
• Habitat
• Fur trade

6
Fun Facts

• Artic seals in more danger
• North Sea seals ? illness
• Use whiskers to search for food
• Females can recognize their pups by smell
• Opportunistic feeders

7
Bibliography

• National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration,
  (n.d.). Antarctic ice seals. Retrieved Oct. 28,
  2005, from Pinnipeds Web site http//nmml.afsc.no
  aa.gov/education/pinnipeds/antarcticfs.htm
• International Marine Mammal Association, (n.d.).
  Pinniped fact sheets. Retrieved Oct. 28, 2005,
  from Pinnipeds Web site http//www.imma.org/pinni
  peds/.
• Seal Conservation Society, (n.d.). Species
  information pages. Retrieved Oct. 28, 2005, from
  Harbour Seal Web site http//www.pinnipeds.org/ma
  in.htm.
• Marine Conservation Society, (n.d.). Seals.
  Retrieved Oct. 28, 2005, from Seal Web site
  http//www.mcsuk.org/marine_world/marine_world.php
  ?titleseals.