Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Common Seal
Scientific Name:
Phoca vitulina
Weight:
Up to 105 kg, males being heavier.
Lifespan:
Females may live up to 35 years and males up to 25 years.
Also Known As:
Harbour seal Description
Short body and flippers are topped with a large head and snub nose. The colour varies from grey, brown, black to tan with a varied non uniform pattern.
Distribution
Found throughout most coastal areas of the British Isles, though rarer off the west of England and Wales; preponderance is found around The Wash.
Habitat
The Common Seal may be found on both rocky outcrops and sandy environments.
Predators
Culling has sometimes taken place in order to control seal numbers, and seals may be caught in fishing nets and drown.
Reproduction
Becoming mature at 3 - 5 years, and after mating at sea in the autumn, the female Common Seal gives birth to one pup which she suckles even in water. After weaning the pup, the female will begin mating once again.
Status
Found throughout the British Isles the Common Seal is not considered to be endangered.
Did You Know?
Young Common Seals can swim and crawl within a few hours of birth.
Footprint Description
Seal tracks are commonly found on mudlflats and on sandy beaches.Proportions vary according to species, but tracks of all species show the characteristic 5 digital pads down the outside edge of the track,with a large "palm" area and distinct claw marks. The arrangement of digital pads lie in line with the direction of movement.