Mammals
New Zealand Fur Seal
Arctocephalus forsteri · also called New Zealand fur seals, Australasian fur seal
Descending several hundred metres into dark offshore water in pursuit of squid, a New Zealand fur seal pushes the diving limits of its fur seal family further than most relatives manage, a specialised hunting ability that has helped fuel the species’ strong recovery and range expansion since historical hunting ended.
Overview
The New Zealand fur seal, Arctocephalus forsteri, is a deep-diving pinniped native to coastal and nearshore ocean waters across a range spanning New Zealand and southern Australia. Its unusually deep and long diving ability, strong recovery from historical hunting, and considerable range expansion in recent decades make it one of the more physically capable and conservation-successful fur seal species found in the Southern Hemisphere.
Diving deeper than most of its relatives
Few fur seal species push as deep or stay submerged as long as the New Zealand fur seal, a diving specialisation that gives it access to squid in waters most other fur seals cannot effectively reach.
Status
Least Concern and increasing, having recovered strongly and expanded its range considerably across New Zealand and southern Australia since historical hunting ended.
New Zealand Fur Seal: common questions
How deep can a New Zealand fur seal dive?
This species can dive deeper and remain submerged longer than most other fur seal species, descending several hundred metres in pursuit of squid, its primary prey, making it one of the more capable deep divers among the world's fur seal species.
Has the New Zealand fur seal recovered from historical hunting?
Yes, this species was significantly reduced by historical commercial hunting for fur, but it has recovered strongly and expanded its range considerably since gaining legal protection, now occupying coastal waters across both New Zealand and southern Australia.
Where does the New Zealand fur seal breed?
This species breeds in colonies on rocky coastlines and offshore islands across its range, favouring rugged terrain that offers some natural protection from disturbance during the vulnerable breeding and pupping season.
Is the New Zealand fur seal found only in New Zealand?
No, despite its common name, this species occupies coastal waters across both New Zealand and southern Australia, a range that spans the Tasman Sea between the two regions rather than being confined to New Zealand alone.