Head to head
Subantarctic Fur Seal vs South American Fur Seal
Subantarctic Fur Seal
VS South American Fur Seal
Both species share a history of near-collapse from historical sealing, but each has recovered along a different stretch of coastline.
| Subantarctic Fur Seal | South American Fur Seal | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Arctocephalus tropicalis | Arctocephalus australis |
| Distinguishing feature | A striking orange-yellow face and chest | A shaggy mane on adult males |
| Breeding range | Scattered sub-Antarctic islands | Both coasts of southern South America |
| Historical threat | Hunted to near-extinction by commercial sealing | Populations collapsed by over 90% from sealing |
| Recovery status | Recovered substantially since hunting ceased | Recovered substantially since sealing ended |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Increasing | Increasing |
| Habitat | Ocean, coastal | Ocean, coastal |
Subantarctic Fur Seal vs South American Fur Seal: common questions
How can you tell the two fur seals apart?
The subantarctic fur seal has a striking orange-yellow face and chest, while the South American fur seal instead is known for the shaggy mane adult males grow around the neck and shoulders.
Which one breeds further south?
The subantarctic fur seal breeds on more southerly scattered sub-Antarctic islands, while the South American fur seal breeds along the mainland coasts of southern South America itself.
Did both species recover from historical sealing?
Yes, both species were hunted heavily by commercial sealing operations and have since recovered substantially, with populations continuing to increase across most of their respective ranges today.