Sunday 29 April 2007

Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus)

OTHER NAMES: Atlantic Seal
Latin Etymology: Halichoerus ("sea piglet") grypus ("hook nosed")
Herd of Adult Grey Seals (subspecies H. g. atlantica) at Farne Islands, Northumbria - July 2009

Featured Subspecies: Halichoerus grypus atlantica
Weight: 250kg  /  Length: 195-250cm
UK STATUS NOT EVALUTATED IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The more common of the two species of seal resident to the UK, it can be seen relatively easily in quite a few locations around the British coast. Although individual seals may be seen in many stretches of water, including to some degree, up estuaries, the real best views of them are when they are out on the rocks, and there are boat trips in many places which will grant spectacular views, such as the one I took this photo upon in the Farne Islands.

Related Species:
Order: Carnivora 

Family: Phocidae 
Genus:Halichoerus
SUBSPECIES: H. g. atlantica, H. g. grypus

 - Sighting Locations -
UNITED KINGDOM - Locally common resident
 - Seen on Trevose HeadThe Lizard and Farne Islands.

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red ListRSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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