New Zealand fur seal, Kekeno, Arctocephalus forsteri

New Zealand fur seal, Kekeno, Arctocephalus forsteri

Description: Kekeno (Arctocephalus forsteri) are members of the Otariidae family of pinnipeds, fin-footed carnivorous marine mammals. Adult females reach maximum length 1.5 m and weight of 50 kg. Adult males reach maximum length 2.5 m and weight up to 150 kg. These are the most common seals in New Zealand waters and are found throughout the country and in western and southern Australia. Kekeno are very good swimmers and weaned pups will turn up almost anywhere around New Zealand. A pup tagged on the west coast of South Island has even been recorded in Australia. The onset of European sealing for meat and pelts in the 1700s and 1800s pushed them to the brink of extinction (used to be around 2 millions). Current population is over 60,000 seals.

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Keywords: New Zealand, New Zealand fur seal, Kekeno, Arctocephalus forsteri, nature, fauna, sea

Exif: Exposure: 1/500, Aperture: 8.0, ISO: 400

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