Harp seal

Pagophilus groenlandicus 02 MWNH 188

Blanchon-idlm2006

Weaned harp seal pup

Harp seal pointing upwards

Harp seal at False Cape (cut)

Harp Seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus), also known as the saddleback seal due to the distinctive harp-shaped markings on the back of the adult seals, is a species of seal found primarily in the northernmost Atlantic Ocean and parts of the Arctic Ocean. It is a member of the family Phocidae, the true seals or earless seals. The harp seal is a key species in its ecosystem, playing a significant role in the marine food web.

Description

Harp seals are medium-sized seals, with adults typically measuring 1.7 to 2.0 meters (5.6 to 6.6 feet) in length and weighing between 115 to 140 kilograms (253 to 308 pounds). They have a distinctive black face, with a silvery-gray body. The adults are easily recognizable by the black, harp or wishbone-shaped markings on their back. Pups are born with a white coat, which helps to camouflage them in the Arctic snow and ice. This white coat is shed after about three to four weeks, revealing a silver-gray fur similar to that of adults.

Habitat and Distribution

Harp seals are primarily found in the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. They are highly migratory and are known to travel over 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) in search of food. Their habitat ranges from the northernmost parts of Greenland, through the Barents Sea, and as far south as Newfoundland in Canada. Harp seals spend the majority of their time in the water, but they come onto the ice floes to breed, give birth, and molt.

Diet

The diet of the harp seal consists mainly of small fish and crustaceans. They have been known to eat a variety of fish species, including capelin, Arctic cod, and herring. Their diet varies depending on their location and the season. Harp seals use their sharp teeth and agility in the water to catch their prey.

Reproduction

Harp seals are seasonal breeders, with mating occurring shortly after the females give birth. Females give birth to a single pup annually on the ice floes. The breeding season occurs from late February to March. The white-coated pups are nursed for approximately 12 days, during which they gain significant weight from their mother's rich milk. After weaning, the pups are left on their own, and the adults return to the sea.

Conservation Status

The harp seal has been hunted for centuries for its fur, oil, and meat. However, strict regulations and quotas have been implemented to manage hunting and protect the species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists the harp seal as of "Least Concern" due to its large population and widespread distribution. Conservation efforts continue to monitor the species and ensure that the population remains stable.

Threats

The primary threats to harp seals include climate change, which affects the availability and distribution of sea ice that they rely on for breeding and resting. Additionally, they are at risk from commercial hunting and bycatch in fishing gear. Pollution and habitat degradation also pose threats to harp seal populations.

Cultural Significance

Harp seals have played an important role in the cultures of Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. They have been a source of food, clothing, and other materials for centuries. The seals are also featured in various folklore and legends among these communities.