True Seals
True Seals
Phocidae
The Silent Swimmers of the Seas: True Seals (Phocidae) are a diverse group of marine mammals known for their excellent swimming abilities and streamlined bodies. Unlike Sea Lions or Fur Seals, True Seals lack external ear flaps and have smaller, more streamlined flippers, making them highly adapted for life in the water but more awkward on land. They are found in coastal waters and icy seas across the globe, from the Arctic and Antarctic to temperate regions. There are about 18 recognized species of True Seals, including the Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina), the Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus), the Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), and the Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddellii). Most species are medium to large in size, with some, like the Elephant Seals (Mirounga spp.), reaching enormous sizes — males can weigh over 4,000 kg (8,800 lbs). True Seals are exceptional divers, capable of holding their breath for extended periods and diving to great depths in search of fish, squid, and crustaceans. Their bodies are well-insulated with a thick layer of blubber, helping them survive in frigid waters. On land, True Seals are more limited in movement, using their bellies to slide across surfaces rather than walking on flippers. They are generally less social than other pinnipeds, often hauling out on ice or beaches alone or in small groups, except during breeding season when large colonies may form. True Seals face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, entanglement in fishing gear, and hunting in some regions.