Can you tell if you are looking at a fur seal or a sea lion? Here are 3 simple tips to help you tell apart these two native New Zealand marine mammals.
New Zealand may not have many native land mammals (in fact only 2 bats), but it does have a plethora of native marine mammals. Some of these marine mammals can be seen along the beaches and coasts of the country. Unfortunately, whale strandings do happen, but otherwise you may be fortunate to spot some seals or sea lions hanging out. I warn you that it may not be easy, but these tips will help you tell apart a fur seal and sea lion.
Marine Mammals Are Protected In New Zealand
Before I get into tips on identifying them, I want to stress that all marine mammals within 200 nautical miles of New Zealand are protected thanks to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which was passed in 1978. This is huge! It means that all whales, dolphins (including the rare hector’s and maui), seals, and sea lions are protected from being harmed or harassed.
Fur Seal Or Sea Lion – Where Are They?
In general, fur seals tend to be found on rocky coasts while sea lions can be found on sandy beaches. Sea lions like to haul out on sandy beaches to rest. In contrast the fur seals are most often found on rocks near the water.
Fur seals can be found throughout the country and are by far the more common of the two. Sea lions tend to be found only on the sandy beaches of the southern part of the South Island, mainly around Dunedin and south towards the Catlins. When we visited the Catlins we were startled the first few times we saw a big sea lion on a beach, but we soon became accustomed to it.
Fur Seal Or Sea Lion – How Big Is It?
In general, fur seals = small; sea lions = big.
Fur seals are smaller – males are 90 – 150 kgs, and females only 30 – 50 kgs. In contrast, sea lions (especially males) are huge – males are 350 – 500 kgs, and females are 100 – 160 kgs.
Fur Seal Or Sea Lion – Look At The Nose And Whiskers
In general, fur seals have a pointy nose and long whiskers.
Sea lions have a blunt nose and short whiskers.