ANIM5012
Conservation, Ecology and Society: Husbandry Portfolio for South American Fur Seal
Introduction to Portfolio on South American Fur Seal Husbandry
The South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis) are native to both sides of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, found along the coastal line of several South American countries including Argentina, Brazil Chile, Falkland Islands, Peru, and Uruguay (Baylis, Arnould, and Staniland, 2013; Crespo and de Oliveira, 2021). These seals are an integral part of the marine ecosystem, and their health and well-being are crucial for maintaining ecological balance. The South American fur seal (SAFS) have an estimated population between 250,000 to 320,000 implying that they are on the least concerned list of the IUCN list, even though they naturally coexist with the American sea lion that preys on the new-born and younger seals (Cárdenas-Alayza, Oliveira, and Crespo, 2016; Sepúlveda et al., 2023).
SAFS Habitat on Map Highlighted in Gold (Cárdenas-Alayza, Oliveira, and Crespo, 2016)
The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive husbandry portfolio that examines nutritional requirements, preventative health measures, and ideal enclosure designs for SAFS. By adhering to the requirements and recommendations stated in this report, carers can ensure that these animals receive the care they require to survive in captivity while closely replicating their natural habitat. The final section covers recent research that provides insights into potential developments in fur seal husbandry, ensuring that our approaches keep up with new scientific discoveries. This study serves as a guide for improving the welfare of South American Fur Seals while also contributing to the larger conservation and sustainable management of marine species.
Table 1: Morhological and Reproductive Characteristics of SAFS
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sexual Dimorphism | South American Fur Seals exhibit significant sexual dimorphism. Adult males are approximately 1.3 times longer and 3.3 times heavier than adult females. |
| Adult Males | Can grow up to 2 meters in length and weigh between 90 to 160 kg, with some individuals reaching up to 200 kg. |
| Adult Females | Typically do not exceed 1.5 meters in length and have an average weight of around 60 kg. |
| Subspecies Variation | Males of the Peruvian subspecies are generally smaller compared to the South American subspecies, whereas females are slightly larger. |
| Newborns | At birth, pups measure between 50 to 65 cm in length and weigh between 3 to 7.5 kg. Male pups generally have a higher initial mass. |
| Reproductive Age | Females reach their peak reproductive potential at ages 3 to 5 years. |
| Reproductive Cycle | The reproductive cycle lasts 11 months, including a 3 to 4 month period of embryonic diapause. |
Source: (Cárdenas-Alayza, Oliveira, and Crespo, 2016)
What You’ll Find Here
- Introduction: Learn about the natural habitat, population status, and ecological importance of the South American Fur Seals.
- PART 1 – DIET AND NUTRITION MANAGEMENT (1144): Discover the specific dietary requirements and feeding schedules essential for maintaining the health of SAFS.
- PART 2 – PREVENTATIVE HEALTH (1194): Explore the preventive health measures, disease management strategies, and quarantine protocols necessary to ensure the well-being of these marine animals.
- PART 3 – ENCLOSURE DESIGN FOR HEALTH (1155): Get insights into the ideal enclosure designs that provide a safe and stimulating environment for fur seals.
- PART 4 – Emerging Fields: Insights into Foraging Ecology of SAFS: Stay updated with the latest research findings and future directions in the field of fur seal husbandry.
- References: Sources and Further Reading