Phoca vitulina concolor

(De Kay, 1842)

Vernacular names
English : Harbor seal
French : Phoque veau-marin

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Phocidae
Notes : 4 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 1.90 m for a weight of 140 kg. Round and broad snout, round head, very short limbs. Coloration is variable but usually beige-cream with dark grey spotting and mottling, more intense on back.

Range and habitat
This subspecies ocurs in north-west Atlantic Ocean, from Greenland to USA. Species also found in north west and east Pacific and north-east Atlantic. Lives in island coastlines, bays and harbors with sandy and pebbly beaches.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species has a large range but some populations suffered from persecution and killing for their fur, oil and skin. Water pollution is an issue too.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

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