Phoca largha Pallas, 1811

Spotted seal

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Data Deficient (DD) external link Showing: scientific names

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Phoca largha Pallas, 1811

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Phoca largha Pallas, 1811
Phoca largha Pallas, 1811
Phoca largha Pallas, 1811
Phocidae Gray, 1821

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General Description

Description

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Smithsonian's North American Mammals external link
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Smithsonian Institution - North American Mammals external link
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Spotted Seals breed in isolated pairs rather than large groups. They congregate in breeding areas, but each pair keeps its distance. This type of breeding system, in which the male breeds with one female and stays with her and the pup until the pup is weaned, is rare among seals. Eight such breeding areas are known along the southern edge of the pack ice. Young seals suffer a high mortality rate. About 45 percent die in the first year of life, many due to predation by sharks, killer whales, walruses, polar bears, arctic foxes, eagles, ravens, and gulls.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
References
  • Pallas, P.S., 1811.  Zoographia Rosso-Asiatica, 1:113.
"Phoca largha Pallas, 1811". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328628". Accessed 20 Mar 2010.