Harp Seal
Pagophilus groenlandicus
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Carnivora · Phocidae
About
The harp seal, also known as the saddleback seal or Greenland seal, is a species of earless seal, or true seal, native to the northernmost Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean. Originally in the genus Phoca with a number of other species, it was reclassified into the monotypic genus Pagophilus in 1844. In Greek, its scientific name translates to "Greenlandic ice-lover", and its taxonomic synonym, Phoca groenlandica translates to "Greenlandic seal". This is the only species in the genus Pagophilus.
Fun Fact
Harp seal pups are born with a fluffy white coat that absorbs sunlight and traps heat like a greenhouse — within two weeks they gain 2 kg per day on milk that is 45% fat.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Arctic sea ice
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
20-35 years
Threats
- Ocean Pollution
- Ocean Acidification