Fur seals are distinguished from true seals by the presence of external ears and the ability to bring their rear flippers underneath their bodies to enable them to stand on all four limbs. For this reason, fur seals are more closely related to sea lions than true seals, and are more capable of moving on land.

Life span
20 years.

Statistics
Body length: Males (bulls): 1.6-2m, Females (cows): 1.2-1.4m. Weight: Males: 90-210 kg, Females: 25-55 kg.

Physical description
The pups are born with black fur, which develops into a grey-brown to light brown coat when they reach adulthood. Females tend to have a creamy-coloured chest.

Distribution
The largest populations are found south of the Antarctic polar front, and 95 per cent of Antarctic fur seals breed on South Georgia.

Diet
The main component of the Antarctic fur seal's diet is krill, but they will also hunt fish and squid.

Behaviour
They feed mostly at night, and dive to depths of 30-40m, although depths of 250m have been recorded. Leopard seals hunt Antarctic fur seal pups, and killer whales are also a threat.

Males arrive at the breeding sites from late November to January. They will fight for access to females and a typical harem contains five females.

Reproduction
For about 4 months after the pup is born, the mother goes through a cycle of feeding at sea for 3-5 days and returning to feed her pup for 1-2 days.

Conservation status
Antarctic fur seals are not considered to be threatened. There are estimated to be 1.5 million individuals, although commercial hunting for fur in the 18th and 19th Century nearly led to their extinction.