Fur seal意思
"Fur seal" is a term used to describe several species of seals that have particularly thick and luxurious fur coats. These seals are members of the family Otariidae, which includes both the eared seals (like sea lions) and the fur seals. The name "fur seal" is derived from their dense fur, which is used for warmth in cold ocean environments.
Fur seals are characterized by their ability to walk on all four flippers, which distinguishes them from true seals (family Phocidae) that lack external ear flaps and move on land by dragging themselves with their front flippers. Fur seals are found in the northern and southern hemispheres, with some species inhabiting coastal regions of the United States, Canada, Russia, Japan, South America, and various islands in the Pacific and Antarctic oceans.
The term "fur seal" is often used colloquially and does not refer to a single species but rather to a group of species that share certain characteristics. Some well-known fur seal species include:
- Northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) - Found in the North Pacific Ocean, with major breeding colonies in the Pribilof Islands of Alaska.
- Southern fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) - Also known as the Antarctic fur seal, it is found in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.
- South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) - Inhabits the coasts of South America, including the Falkland Islands.
Fur seals are valued for their fur, which has historically led to overhunting and population declines. However, many species are now protected, and populations have been recovering. Today, they face threats from habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and interactions with fisheries, such as entanglement in fishing gear.