Breeding
Male and Female Fur Seals mate on sites such as rocky slopes, ledges, pebble beaches, and reefs. Adult males go to these sites in late October and fight each other to establish their territories. After the dominant male fights off all of the other males, he patiently waits for his females to arrive. Females give birth in late November.
The Australian Fur Seals young are called Pups. Pups are born with black fur, but after they moult they are a grayish fawn color with a pale throat, just like their mothers.
Scientists estimate that there are about 5,000 pups born in the Tasmanian waters each year. Nonetheless, not all pups will survive to become adults. In fact, 15% of baby Fur Seals will die within the first two months.
The female
Fur Seal will stay with her pups for only six days. She goes to sea for a few
days at a time and returns to feed her young. This process continues for 10–11
months.
These mothers
are very protective of their young. They do a very good job of making sure their
pups are safe when in the water or on shore.
Questions? Contact Julia Johnson at johnsju@uwec.edu
Page Last Updated April 2, 2004
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