AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS -Australian
Fur Seal www.ozcity.faithweb.com
The Australian Fur Seal uses
their large front flippers to propel them through the water and their back flippers to
steer them when they are swimming or diving. Seals are adapted for deep
diving and can dive up to around 120 metres.
Seals have large eyes to help them see their prey in the dark
water and long whiskers which can detect the movement of nearby
fish. They swallow fish whole so that they can catch as many as
possible before the school swims away.
The Australian Fur Seal has two layers of fur. The outer coat of hairs
protects a dense underfur which insulates them from the cold. These
special features equip the Australian Fur Seals perfectly for the marine
environment they live in.
They breed in early summer, and after vigorous fighting the males establish territories
and mate with a number of females who produce a single pup 12 months
later.
