Scientific Name
Phoca vitulina
Body Weight
Male: 80-170 kg
Female: 60-145 kg
Body Length
1.6-1.9 m
Habitat
Diet
Fun Facts
Harbour seals have a coat of hair showing dark spots with light rings. These patterns are unique to each individual.
The pups of harbour seals are fed with milk that contains up to 50% fat. With such a high-energy diet, they can grow rapidly by the time they are weaned at 4 to 6 weeks.
Distribution
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Human Disturbance & Ecosystem Disruption
Pollution
Climate Change
Harbour seals are accidentally caught as bycatch by fishermen. They are also threatened by entanglement in fishing gear. Their food supply has been drastically reduced by human fishing. Some harbour seals are even hunted to protect these fisheries.
Fun Activities
