What is the Australian fur seal?
The Australian fur seal is the largest fur seal in the world, breeding on islands in Bass Strait off Victoria and Tasmania. Large colonies can be seen at Seal Rocks near Phillip Island.
Males can weigh up to about 360 kilograms, much heavier than females. They have thick fur with a dense underlayer that keeps them warm in cold Southern Ocean waters, and they can walk on land using all four flippers.
In the 1800s, sealers killed huge numbers for their fur and oil, almost wiping them out. Since protection, numbers have recovered to well over 100,000 animals.
Seeing fur seals
Seal Rocks, off the western tip of Phillip Island, hosts Australia's largest fur seal colony. Boat cruises from Phillip Island and Cowes visit the colony, and the Nobbies Centre has cameras showing the seals.
Fur seals also haul out on rocks around Tasmania, at Montague Island in New South Wales, and on navigation markers in Port Phillip Bay.
They feed on fish, squid and octopus, diving to around 200 metres. Entanglement in fishing line and plastic is a serious threat, and wildlife groups rescue and disentangle seals.
Did You Know?
Fur seals have external ear flaps, unlike true seals, which have only ear holes.