Seal (Harp) - Overview

Order: Carnivora

Family: Phocidae

Species: Pagophilus groenlandicus

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Population Trend: increasing

Distribution: from the Gulf of St. Lawrence and across the Arctic to Siberia.

Habitat: in coastal waters or on pack ice.

Size: length : male, 171 - 190cm.

Weight: 120 - 135kg.

Number of young: 1

Sexual Maturity: females, up to 7 years; males, 4 years.

Gestation: 225 days, but twelve months in total because of delayed implantation.

Life-span: up to 30 years.

Food: various species of fish. Young eat crabs.