The Cape Fur Seal is also known as the brown fur seal, the
South African fur seal, and the Australian fur seal. These are the largest and most robust of all
species. They have broad heads with pointed snouts, external ear flaps, and
long whiskers. Their external ears are
what set them apart from true seals. Their large eyes can also see both forward
and to the sides, giving them an advantage when hunting and being hunted.
The fur of these seals has multiple layers. The first layer
is soft and thick, protecting them from cold temperatures. This fur is covered
by a long, harder layer of course hair. Adult males vary in coloring from dark
gray to brown with a light belly. Females are light brown to gray with a darker
back and belly. Pups are born black and molt to gray with a pale throat in the
first five months. After that, their coloring depends on their sex.
These seals love the sea but they never stray too far from
land. Their diet is about 70% fish, 20% squid, and 10% crustaceans and
cephalopods. On occasion, they have even been seen consuming birds. The South
African subspecies can dive as deep as 204m and stay under for as long as seven
minutes.
Bulls
(males) are extremely territorial and keep a close watch on their harems,
consisting of between five and twenty-five cows (females). Pregnancy in cows
lasts eight months and produces a single pup. Within six days of giving birth,
the cows are ready to mate again. Cape Fur Seals prefer to breed on rocky
islands, rock ledges and reefs, and pebble and boulder beaches. Ridges on their
flippers help them with climbing and make it possible for them to easily
navigate outcroppings like Seal Island in South Africa.
