Wildlifeof New Zealand
New Zealand Fur Seal
Seals & Sea Lions
Photo: Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia · Public domain
Arctocephalus forsteri
Basic stats
Habitat
Rocky coasts and open ocean
Range
Surrounding seas, South Island, Subantarctic
Size
Length 1.5–2.5 m, weight 30–150 kg
The New Zealand fur seal, or kekeno, is the country’s most frequently encountered pinniped. Its population has recovered substantially since commercial sealing ended. Kekeno have external ears, a pointed muzzle and hind flippers that rotate forward. Adult males may reach 2.5 metres; females are much smaller.
They breed and rest on rocky coasts around mainland New Zealand, the Chathams and Subantarctic islands. They range widely at sea. They often feed at night on squid, octopus and fish. Pups learn to swim in sheltered pools near colonies.
The species is Not Threatened nationally. Entanglement, bycatch, disease and prey changes remain concerns. Reliable sites include Ōhau Point, Cape Palliser, Cape Foulwind and Otago Peninsula. Keep at least 20 metres away where possible.
Quick answers
- What habitat does the New Zealand Fur Seal live in?
- Rocky coasts and open ocean
- Where is the New Zealand Fur Seal found?
- Surrounding seas, South Island, Subantarctic
- How big is the New Zealand Fur Seal?
- Length 1.5–2.5 m, weight 30–150 kg