New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri)

The New Zealand fur seal has been recorded diving deeper and for longer than any other species of fur seal (2) (4). Fur seals, along with sea lions, are members of the Otariidae family, distinguished from true seals by external ears and forward rotating hind flippers, which assist with movement over land (2) (5). The New Zealand fur seal has a distinctly pointed muzzle with a somewhat bulbous nose, and long pale whiskers (2) (6). The adult males is up to three times the weight of the adult female, and has a massive neck with a coarse mane that extends from the top of the head down to the chest and shoulders (7) (8). The adult coat is generally dark grey-brown above (appearing almost black when wet) and paler below, with the female being notably paler on the underside of the neck and chest (6) (8). New Zealand fur seal pups are initially blackish, except for a pale muzzle and undersides, but moult into the adult coat after two to three months (1) (6) (8).

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