The Common Seal (Phoca vitulina)

Identification

The common or harbour seal is the smallest of the two seals found regularly around our coastline.
It is recognised by its short muzzle and V shaped nostrils.
Common seals are grey/brown coloured and have an all over pattern of fine spots. The belly is usually paler than the back. Pups are born with a coat resembling that of the adults, but it is darker and the spots are less obvious.

Size

Adult males measure about 1.8m and can weigh up to 100kg.
Adult females are slightly smaller measuring about 1.5m and weighing about 80kg. Common seal pups weigh about 10kg at birth.

Distribution

The common seal is the most widely distributed seal, found throughout the northern hemisphere.

Population

Habitat                  

Common seals favour sheltered rocky shores and sandbanks. They often haul out close to roads and human habitation.

Breeding

Common seal pups are born in June and July in shallow water or on land. A single pup is born (twins are extremely rare) weighing around 10kg. They are born with their adult coat, the white natal fur (lanugo) is shed before birth, and can swim within an hour of being born. The mother is extremely attentive towards her pup and stays in close contact, both ashore and in the sea. In the water, the mother frequently nuzzles her pup to maintain contact and even gives 'piggyback' rides to support it. Pups grow rapidly on the mothers rich milk (45% fat) and double their weight in 4 weeks. As weaning approaches, the pup is left ashore for longer periods while the mother feeds. When weaned at about 4 weeks, the pup lives off its fat reserves while learning to feed on its own.
Mating takes place again as soon as the pup is weaned.
Males reach sexual maturity at 5-6 years old, females at 3-4 years. 

Lifespan

Males live up to 20 years old and females to 30 years old.

Conservation

Common seals are protected and may only be culled under licence.

Also In this section...

• The Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)