EN

Arctocephalus gazella

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Antarctic fur seal experienced catastrophic historical depletion from 18th and 19th century commercial sealing, which reduced populations to near extinction before recovery began in the 20th century. Although South Georgia now hosts the vast majority of the global breeding population, this concentration makes the species highly vulnerable to localized threats such as disease outbreaks and fluctuations in Antarctic krill availability driven by climate variability. Entanglement in marine debris and fisheries bycatch continue to cause mortality, particularly among juveniles investigating discarded netting and packaging material.

Threat summary

Habitat

Antarctic fur seals breed on rocky and sandy beaches of sub-Antarctic islands, with South Georgia hosting the overwhelming majority of the population, and forage in the surrounding cold, nutrient-rich Southern Ocean waters where krill swarms concentrate.

Other threatened species in OTARIIDAE

New Zealand Sea LionEN

New Zealand Sea Lion

Phocarctos hookeri

Declining
Arctocephalus galapagoensisEN

Arctocephalus galapagoensis

Declining
Australian Sea LionEN

Australian Sea Lion

Neophoca cinerea

Declining
Zalophus wollebaekiEN

Zalophus wollebaeki

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Arctocephalus gazella classified as Endangered?
Arctocephalus gazella is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Antarctic fur seal experienced catastrophic historical depletion from 18th and 19th century commercial sealing, which reduced populations to near extinction before recovery began in the 20th century. Although South Georgia now hosts the vast majority of the global breeding population, this concentration makes the species highly vulnerable to localized threats such as disease outbreaks and fluctuations in Antarctic krill availability driven by climate variability. Entanglement in marine debris and fisheries bycatch continue to cause mortality, particularly among juveniles investigating discarded netting and packaging material.
Where does Arctocephalus gazella live?
Arctocephalus gazella occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Arctocephalus gazella?
The main threats to Arctocephalus gazella are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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