Psilos Mammal Gallery |
Atlantic Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus |
The Grey Seal is among the rarest seal
in the world, with almost 40% of the world population found in the UK.
Grey seals are found on both sides of the north Atlantic Ocean, separated
into three distinct populations. For centuries seal hunting has decreased
the population and even today the population is threatened by culling
and entrapment in fishing nets especially in the western Atlantic. Grey
seals can grow up to 2.5m, with some of the larger males weighing more
than 300kgs. They live for around 30 - 40 years. It is the larger of
the two seals found on the coast with the Common seal commonly weighing
in at only 80-100 kg. |
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In the UK breeding takes place from late
July to December. The female comes ashore the day before she gives birth.
The single pup is nursed for about 17-18 days after it is born, gaining
1.2-2kg in weight per day. Once the pup is weaned the mother leaves
it to fend for itself. The pups soon take to the open sea and can wander
up to 1000km from its birth place. |
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