1. Arctocephalus pusillus (Fur seal) Kim Van Reenen Student #: 2607703

2. Arctocephalus pusillus (Fur seal) Are largest of the fur seal species Are largest of the fur seal species Only 2 subspecies. Only 2 subspecies. characteristic that differentiate the two subspecies is the length of the crest. characteristic that differentiate the two subspecies is the length of the crest. Female seal reach reproductive maturity by 3-4 years and males mature at 5 years. Female seal reach reproductive maturity by 3-4 years and males mature at 5 years. Adult males measure 1.8-8.3 m and weigh 200- 360 kg Adult males measure 1.8-8.3 m and weigh 200- 360 kg Females measure 1.2-1.7 m and weigh 35-110 kg. Females measure 1.2-1.7 m and weigh 35-110 kg.

3. Subspecies of Arctocephalus pusillus Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus: Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus: Reside along southern and western coastal areas of Africa on the coastal areas of Namibia to Black Rock close to Port Elizabeth. Reside along southern and western coastal areas of Africa on the coastal areas of Namibia to Black Rock close to Port Elizabeth. 1.2 – 2 million in population 1.2 – 2 million in population Live to about 25 years Live to about 25 years Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus : Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus : Reside along south-eastern coastal areas in Australia Reside along south-eastern coastal areas in Australia 30,000-50,000 in population 30,000-50,000 in population Live for about 19 years Live for about 19 years WWW.PINNIPEDS.ORG/IMA GES/SEA.JPG>

4. Age estimation methods Dentition examination method: Dentition examination method: Accurate age estimation by means of examination of teeth of the seals. Accurate age estimation by means of examination of teeth of the seals. Determined by growth layers in roots of canines Determined by growth layers in roots of canines As dentine reflects growth of roots As dentine reflects growth of roots This method is reliable until the age of 4 years This method is reliable until the age of 4 years

5. References: Internet; Internet; www.animaldiversity.ummz.umi.edu www.animaldiversity.ummz.umi.edu www.pinnipeds.org/species/saausfur.htm www.pinnipeds.org/species/saausfur.htm www.cat.inist.fr www.cat.inist.fr www.cat.inist.fr Bibliography: Bibliography: Textbook: Textbook: Harrison, R.J. 1974. Functional Anatomy of Marine Mammals. Academic press Inc. London. Vol 2, pp 261. Harrison, R.J. 1974. Functional Anatomy of Marine Mammals. Academic press Inc. London. Vol 2, pp 261. King, J. E. 1983. Seals of the world. Second Edition. Oxford University Press. Oxford. Pp 51-57. King, J. E. 1983. Seals of the world. Second Edition. Oxford University Press. Oxford. Pp 51-57. Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. Stanford University Press. Stanford, California. Pp 3. Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. Stanford University Press. Stanford, California. Pp 3.