Mammals of the WorldNew Zealand Fur Seal
Arctocephalus forsteri
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Otariidae
- Genus
- Arctocephalus
- IUCN status
- LC
- Distribution
- Australia|New Zealand|New Caledonia
- Realm
- Marine
Other names: Antipodean Fur Seal|Australasian Fur Seal|Black Fur Seal|South Australian Fur Seal
About this species
- Size
- Length 1.5–2.5 m, weight 30–150 kg
- Habitat
- Rocky coasts and open ocean
- Range
- Surrounding seas, South Island, Subantarctic
The New Zealand fur seal, or kekeno, is the country’s most frequently encountered pinniped. Its population has recovered substantially since commercial sealing ended. Kekeno have external ears, a pointed muzzle and hind flippers that rotate forward. Adult males may reach 2.5 metres; females are much smaller.
They breed and rest on rocky coasts around mainland New Zealand, the Chathams and Subantarctic islands. They range widely at sea. They often feed at night on squid, octopus and fish. Pups learn to swim in sheltered pools near colonies.
The species is Not Threatened nationally. Entanglement, bycatch, disease and prey changes remain concerns. Reliable sites include Ōhau Point, Cape Palliser, Cape Foulwind and Otago Peninsula. Keep at least 20 metres away where possible.
Description: Wildlife of New Zealand guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com)