Mammal · GBIF taxon 2433474
Long-nosed Fur Seal
Arctocephalus forsteriAlso known as New Zealand Fur Seal, Australasian Fur Seal, Kekeno
Long-nosed Fur Seals are dark, thick-furred marine mammals with pointed muzzles, long whiskers, and visible ear flaps. They rest and breed on rocky coasts around southern Australia and New Zealand, then travel offshore to hunt in productive waters.
rocky hauloutmarine hunterexternal ears
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- squid
- octopuses
- schooling fish
Predators
- killer whales
- large sharks
- leopard seals
ThreatsFishing-gear entanglement, marine debris, boat strikes, disease, and disturbance at haulout or breeding sites
HabitatsRocky islands, exposed headlands, sheltered coastal ledges, and offshore feeding grounds
Life spanFemales can live into their early twenties, while males generally have shorter lives
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyOtariidae
- SpeciesArctocephalus forsteri
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Stay at least 20 meters away: seals can bite and may carry diseases transmissible to people and pets.
- Why it is dangerous
- Powerful jaws can cause severe wounds, while contact with saliva or bodily waste can expose people and pets to pathogens.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a pointed nose, long pale whiskers, small external ear flaps, and dark brown fur.
- What to do
- Stay at least 20 meters away as legally required, never block access to the water, and contact wildlife authorities about an injured seal.
Responsible observation
- Distance: Stay at least 20 meters from resting seals and keep dogs leashed away from the shoreline.
- Escape route: Never stand between a seal and the sea or crowd it against rocks.
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