Gray Sealハイイロアザラシ
Halichoerus grypusLC— Least Concern
The grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) is a large true seal of the North Atlantic, found in two main population centers around the British Isles and along the eastern coast of North America. It feeds mainly on fish such as cod but is also known to prey on porpoises and other seals. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, it is an extremely rare visitor to Japanese waters.
Gray Seal (reference photo)
Species Data
- Classification
- Carnivora / Phocidae Source
- Size
- Males 2.5–3.3 m, females 1.6–2 m
- Weight
- Males up to 300 kg, females 100–150 kg
- Diet
- Carnivore Feeds mainly on fish such as cod, and sometimes on large prey such as harbor porpoises and other seals
- Activity
- Spends most of its time at sea and comes ashore to rest; the Baltic population tends to be nocturnal, hauling out mainly after sunset
- Distribution
- Found across the North Atlantic, with major populations around the British Isles and along the eastern coast of North America from New Jersey northward. It is a rare vagrant in Japanese waters. Source
- Sources
- ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
Did You Know?
- Its scientific name Halichoerus roughly means 'hook-nosed sea pig,' referring to its distinctively curved snout. Source
- A stray pup that appeared on Akita Prefecture's coast in 2006, nicknamed 'Omo-chan,' was an exceptionally rare sighting for Japan. Source
- Males are known to communicate underwater by clapping their flippers together. Source
Where to See This Species
Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 1
How to tell Sea Lions, Seals, Fur Seals, and Walruses apart →Toba AquariumMieOpened in 1955
Source links to official sites, official YouTube channels, and news aggregators such as Zoo Ring. Visit the publisher for the full item.
Conservation Story
Conservation Status
Least Concern (LC)
Sources
Support Conservation
A visit is a small, positive way to support the daily lives of the animals you care about.
- Visit
- A visit itself helps support the facility.
- Animal Supporter Programs & Giving
- Find ways to support the facility through its official website.
- Furusato Nozei
- Municipally run facilities may share official guidance for this Japanese hometown-tax program.
FAQ
- What does the grey seal eat?
- It feeds primarily on fish like cod, sand eels, and herring, but has also been documented preying on porpoises and other seal species. Source
- Has a grey seal ever been seen in Japan?
- Yes, though extremely rarely. A young grey seal nicknamed 'Omo-chan' appeared on the coast of Akita Prefecture in 2006. Source
- How many operating facilities are registered here?
- Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 1 Source
Books & gear
Source: ja.wikipedia.org