The Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella) is a member of the seal family Otariidae (Fur Seals and Sea Lions) and was first discovered in 1819. Its common name is derived from its fur coat and it was also previously known as the Kerguelen Fur Seal. It is known to occur in the waters of sub-Antarctica and Antarctica with over 95% of the species breeding on South Georgia. Other breeding sites for the Antartic Fur Seal include South Orkney, South Shetland, South Sandwich, Bouvetøya, Heard, Marion, Macquarie, McDonald, Crozet, Prince Edward and Kerguelen Islands. This species was almost hunted to extinction in the 18th and 9th century however protection has led to the recovery of the species. In 1990 the population was estimated to be 1.5 million however it is now estimated that the population is over 4 million.
This species has a light brown coloured fur coat, slanted eyes, black flippers and whiskers. The large bulls have a mane around their shoulders and neck. The Antarctic Fur seal feeds mainly on fish, squid and crustaceans. The Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella) can weigh up to 200 kgs and dive down to depths of 250 metres.
The images of the Sub-Antarctic Fur Seal were taken by Kylie Russell on a research trip to Macquarie Island in 2004.
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