Introduction

The earless seals are most often marine, but they will enter brackish and fresh water and some species are confined to land-locked freshwater lakes. Although sexual dimorphism exists, in most species the males are less conspicuously larger than females than in the otariids. The hind limbs are of little use terrestrial locomotion and there are well-developed nails on all five pedal digits. A short tail is present and the testes are abdominal.

Although found in warm waters, most phocids are associated with colder polar waters. Penguins, fish, crustaceans and cephalopods are included in the diet. Australian records of phocids in recent times are associated with vagrants or stranded migrants. Only the southern elephant seal was known to breed in Australian waters.

General References

King, J.E. 1989. Otariidae and Phocidae. pp. 1012-1029 in Walton, D.W. & Richardson, B.J. (eds). Fauna of Australia. Mammalia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1B 827 pp.

Shaughnessy, P.D. 1999. The action plan for Australian seals. Environment Australia : Canberra. 116 pp.

History of changes

• Hydrurga Gistel, J. 1848. Naturgeschichte des Thierreichs für höhere schulen bearbeitet. Stuttgart xvi 216 pp., 32 pls. [11] [nom. nov. for Stenorhinchus Geoffroy and Cuvier, 1826].

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.
• Stenorhynchus Gray, J.E. 1825. An outline of an attempt at the disposition of the Mammalia into tribes and families with a list of the genera apparently appertaining to each tribe. Annals of Philosophy ns 10: 337-344 [publication date established from Iredale, T. & Troughton, E. le G. 1934. A check-list of the mammals recorded from Australia. Mem. Aust. Mus. 6: i–xii 1–122 (Order Pinnipedia pp. 87–89)] [340] [nom. nud.; ex Cuvier vernacular].

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.
• Stenorhinchus Geoffroy [Saint-Hilaire], É. & Cuvier, G.L.C.F.D. 1826. Phoques. Vol. 39 in, Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles. Strasbourg & Paris (1816–1830). 540-590 pp. [publication date established from Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford Univ. Press x 179 pp. 32 pls] [549] [junior homonym of Stenorhynchus Hemprich, 1820, Stenorhynchus Dejean, 1821, Stenorhynchus Dahl, 1823].

  Type species:

   Phoca leptonyx Blainville, 1820 by original designation.
• Ogmorhinus Peters, W.C.H. 1875. Über eine neue Art von Seebären, Arctophoca gazella, von der Kerguelen-Inseln. Monatsberichte der Königlichen Preussischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin 1875: 393-399 [publication date established from Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford Univ. Press x 179 pp. 32 pls] [393] [nom. nov. for Stenorhinchus Geoffroy & Cuvier, 1826].
• Stenorhynchotes Turner, W. 1888. Report on the seals collected during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger in the years 1873–76 (Vol. 26 No. 2. pp. 1–240 10 pls; Challenger Zool. Repts.; Pt 68). in, Report on the Scientific Results of the Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger. Edinburgh Challenger Office, 1880–95. [publication date established from Iredale, T. & Troughton, E. le G. 1934. A check-list of the mammals recorded from Australia. Mem. Aust. Mus. 6: i–xii 1–122 (Order Pinnipedia pp. 87–89)] [63] [alternative new name for Hydrurga Gistel, 1848, only in footnote].

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Iredale, T. & Troughton, E. le G. 1934. A check-list of the mammals recorded from Australia. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 6: i-xii 1-122 [87]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Antarctica, southern circumpolar.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39)

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Distribution References

History of changes

• Phoca leptonyx Blainville, H.M.D. de 1820. Sur quelques crânes de phoques. Journal de Physique, de Chimie et d'Histoire Naturelle et des Arts 91: 286-300 [298].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) MNHP A3578 ♂ juv. skin & skull (destroyed 1914), Falkland Ils and South Georgia.

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.
• Phoca homei Lesson, R.P. 1828. Phoque. pp. 400-426 in Bory de Saint-Vincent, J.B.G.M (ed.). Dictionnaire Classique d'Histoire Naturelle. Paris : Rey et Gravier Vol. 13. [Date published 31/Jan/1828] [17 Vols. 1822–1831] [417] [nom. nov. for Phoca leptonyx Blainville, 1820].

  Secondary source:

   Allen, J.A. 1905. The Mammalia of southern Patagonia. Report of the Princeton University Expedition to Patagonia, 1896–1899 Zool. 3: 1-210 pls i-xxix.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls. [120]

Generic Combinations

• Hydrurga leptonyx (Blainville, 1820).

Distribution

States

New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Heard Is., stranding records from SW WA, SA, NSW, Heron Is., QLD and Lord Howe Is.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39)

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Ecological Descriptors

Continental shelf, continental slope, gregarious, migratory, oceanic, pelagic, piscivore, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Diet consists of penguins and other sea birds, other seals, cephalopods, krill and carrion from seal and whale carcasses.

General References

Kemper, C., Gibbs, P., Obendorf, D., Marvanek, S. & Lenghaus, C. 1994. A review of heavy metal and organochlorine levels in marine mammals in Australia. Science and the Total Environment 154: 129-139

King, J.E. 1983. Seals of the World. 2nd Edition. St Lucia : Univ. Queensland Press 240 pp.

King, J.E. 1995. Leopard Seal Hydrurga leptonyx. 688 in Strahan, R. (ed.). The Mammals of Australia: The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife. Sydney : Reed New Holland 756 pp.

Kooyman, G.L. 1981. Leopard seal Hydrurga leptonyx Blainville, 1820. pp. 261-274 in Ridgway, S.H. & Harrison, R.J. (eds). Handbook of Marine Mammals. Volume 2. Seals. London : Academic Press.

Prendergast, R., Svalesen, K. & Beasley, K. 1993. A review of leopard seal biology with notes on a stranded animal. Thylacinus, Journal of the Australian Society of Zookeepers 18(3): 2-7

Rogers, T. & Bryden, M.M. 1995. Predation of adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) by leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) in Prydz Bay, Antarctica. Canadian Journal of Zoology 1995: 1001-1004

Rogers, T.L., Cato, D.H. & Bryden, M.M. 1996. Behavioural significance of underwater vocalizations of captive leopard seals, Hydrurga leptonyx. Marine Mammal Science 12: 414-427

Rogers, T.L. & Bryden, M.M. 1997. Density and haul-out behaviour of leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) in Prydz Bay, Antarctica. Marine Mammal Science 13: 293-302

Rounsevell, D. 1988. Periodic irruptions of itinerant leopard seals within the Australasian sector of the Southern Ocean, 1976–1986. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 122: 189-191

Rounsevell, D. & Pemberton, D. 1994. The status and seasonal occurrence of leopard seals, Hydrurga leptonyx, in Tasmanian waters. Australian Mammalogy 17: 97-102

Slip, D.J., Green, K., Burton, H.R., Mitchell, P.J. & Adams, M. 1994. Allozyme variation in the leopard seal, Hydrurga leptonyx. Australian Mammalogy 17: 1-5

Williams, R. & Bryden, M.M. 1993. Observations of blood values, heart rate and respiratory rate of leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) (Carnivora: Phocidae). Australian Journal of Zoology 41: 433-439

Common Name References

ABRS 2001. Census of Australian Vertebrates. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Leopard Seal)

History of changes

• Leptonychotes Gill, T. 1872. Arrangement of the families of mammals with analytical tables. Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections 11(230): 6-98 [70] [nom. nov. for Leptonyx Gray, 1837].

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.
• Leptonyx Gray, J.E. 1837. Description of some new or little known Mammalia, principally in the British Museum Collection. Magazine of Natural History ns 1: 577-587 [Date published Nov. 1837: publication date established from Thomas, O. 1888. Catalogue of the Marsupialia and Monotremata in the Collection of the British Museum (Natural History). London : British Museum xiii 401 pp. 28 pls [3 Nov. 1888]] [582] [junior homonym of Leptonyx Swainson, 1833].

  Type species:

   Otaria weddelli Lesson, 1826 by original designation.

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.
• Poecilophoca Flower, W.H. & Lydekker, R. 1891. An Introduction to the Study of Mammals Living and Extinct. London : A & C Black xvi 763 pp. [605] [unnecessary nom. nov. for Leptonyx Gray, 1837].

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Ling, J.K. 1988. Phocidae. pp. 226-229 in Walton, D.W. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia Volume 5. Mammalia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service 274 pp. [227]

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Antarctica.

IMCRA

Macquarie Island Province (24), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36)

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Distribution References

History of changes

• Otaria weddelli Lesson, R.P. 1826. Sur le Phoque Léopard de Mer des Orcades Australes; par James Weddell. [A voyage toward the South Pole, performed in the years 1822–24]. London : Longman 6 + 276 pp. & maps. [437] [spelled Weddelli on p. 438; based on description and poor drawing only].

  Type data:

   Status unknown, South Orkney Ils.

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.
• Phoca leopardina Hamilton, R. 1839. The natural history of the amphibious carnivora, including the walrus and seals, also the herbivorous cetacea. Jardine's Natural Library 6: 183 [183 pl. 12].

  Type data:

   Status unknown, whereabouts unknown, South Orkney Ils.

  Secondary source:

   Iredale, T. & Troughton, E. le G. 1934. A check-list of the mammals recorded from Australia. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 6: i-xii 1-122 (Order Pinnipedia pp. 87–89).

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls. [122]

Generic Combinations

• Leptonychotes weddelli (Lesson, 1826).

Distribution

IMCRA

Macquarie Island Province (24), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36)

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Ecological Descriptors

Continental shelf, continental slope, piscivore, predator, sedentary, territorial.

Extra Ecological Information

Diet includes cephalopods and various crustacea, males territorial during breeding season.

General References

Gales, N.J. 1988. Use of emetics and anaesthesia for dietary assessment of Weddell seals. Australian Wildlife Research 15: 423-433

Green, K., Burton, H.R., McFarlane, D.C. et al. 1995. Difficulties in assessing population status of ice seals. Wildlife Research 22: 193-200

Green, K., Burton, H.R. & Watts, D.J. 1995. Studies of the Weddell seal in the Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica. ANARE Research Notes 93: 1-64

Green, K., Wong, V. & Burton, H.R. 1992. A population decline in Weddell seals: real or sampling artefact. Wildlife Research 19: 59-64

Green, K. & Burton, H.R. 1987. Seasonal and geographical variation in the food of Weddell seals, Leptonychotes weddellii, in Antarctica. Australian Wildlife Research 14: 475-489

Hastings, K.K. & Testa, J.W. 1998. Maternal and birth colony effects on survival of Weddell seal offspring from McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Journal of Animal Ecology 67: 722-740

King, J.E. 1983. Seals of the World. 2nd Edition. St Lucia : Univ. Queensland Press 240 pp.

Kooyman, G.L. 1981. Weddell seal Leptonychotes weddelli Lesson, 1826. pp. 275-296 in Ridgway, S.H. & Harrison, R.J. (eds). Handbook of Marine Mammals. Volume 2. Seals. London : Academic Press.

Morrice, M.G., Burton, H.R. & Green, K. 1994. Microgeographic variation and songs in the underwater vocalisation repertoire of the Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) from the Vestfold Hills, Antarctica. Polar Biology 14: 441-446

Pahl, B.C., Terhune, J.M., Burton, H.R. 1997. Repertoire and geographic variation in underwater vocalisations of Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddelli, Pinnipedia: Phocidae) at Vestfold Hills, Antarctica. Australian Journal of Zoology 45: 171-187

Scheer, J.F., Hastings, K.K. & Testa, J.W. 1996. Preweaning mortality of Weddell seal pups. Canadian Journal of Zoology 74: 1775-1778

Tedman, R.A. 1985. The Weddell seal, Leptonychotes weddelli, at McMurdo Sound, Antarctica: milk production in relation to pup growth. pp. 41-52 in Ling, J.K. & Bryden, M.M. (eds). Studies of sea mammals in south latitudes. Adelaide : South Australian Museum 13 pp.

Tedman, R.A. 1995. Weddell Seal Leptonychotes weddelli. pp. 689-691 in Strahan, R. (ed.). The Mammals of Australia: The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife. Sydney : Reed New Holland 756 pp.

Thomas, J.A., Puddicombe, R.A., George, M. & Lewis, D. 1988. Variations in underwater vocalizations of Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddelli) at the Vestfold Hills as a measure of breeding population discreteness. Hydrobiologia 165: 279-284

Common Name References

ABRS 2001. Census of Australian Vertebrates. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Weddell Seal)

History of changes

• Lobodon Gray, J.E. 1844. The seals of the southern hemisphere. 1-8 pls 1-10, 14-17 in Richardson, J. & Gray, J.E. (eds). The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Erebus and Terror, under the Command of Captain Sir James Clark Ross, R.N., F.R.S., during the years 1839 to 1843, Volume 1 Mammalia, Birds. London : E.W. Janson. [2].

  Type species:

   Phoca carcinophaga Hombron & Jacquinot, 1842 by original designation.

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Antarctica, southern circumpolar and subantarctic islands.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Distribution References

History of changes

• Phoca carcinophaga Jacquinot, C.H. 1842. Voyage au Pole Sud et dans l'Océanie sur les Corvettes l'Astrolabe et la Zélée, executé... pendant... 1837–1840 sous le commandement de J. Dumont d'Urville... publie... sous la direction superière de M. Jacquinot. Paris : Longman's pp. 30 vols 1-27 atlas. [atlas pl. 10].

  Type data:

   Holotype whereabouts unknown, South Orkney Ils.

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.
• Stenorhynchus serridens Owen, R. 1843. Notice of a new species of seal (Stenorhynchus serridens). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 12: 331.

  Type data:

   Status unknown, locality unknown.
• Lobodon cancrivora Gray, J.E. 1844. The seals of the southern hemisphere. 1-8 pls 1-10, 14-17 in Richardson, J. & Gray, J.E. (eds). The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Erebus and Terror, under the Command of Captain Sir James Clark Ross, R.N., F.R.S., during the years 1839 to 1843, Volume 1 Mammalia, Birds. London : E.W. Janson. [7] [incorrect subsequent spelling for Lobodon carcinophaga Hombron & Jacquinot, 1842].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls. [116]

Generic Combinations

• Lobodon carcinophaga (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1842).

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Heard Is.

IMCRA

Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

Other Regions

Australian Antarctic Territory, Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Ecological Descriptors

Gregarious, oceanic, pelagic, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Diet almost exclusively krill.

General References

Crisp, E.A., Messer, M. & Shaughnessy, P.D. 1988. Intestinaol lactase and other disaccharidase activities of a suckling crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. B. Comparative Biochemistry 90: 371-374

Gilbert, J.R. & Erickson, A.W. 1977. Distribution and abundance of seals in the pack ice of the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean. pp. 703-740 in Llano, G.A. (ed). Adaptation within Antarctic Ecosystems. Washington DC : Smithsonian Institution.

Green, B., Fogerty, A., Libke, J., Newgrain, K. & Shaughnessy, P. 1993. Aspects of lactation in the crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus). Australian Journal of Zoology 41: 203-213

King, J.E. 1983. Seals of the World. 2nd Edition. St Lucia : Univ. Queensland Press 240 pp.

King, J.E. 1995. Crab-eater Seal Lobodon carcinophagus. pp. 692-693 in Strahan, R. (ed.). The Mammals of Australia: The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife. Sydney : Reed New Holland 756 pp.

Kooyman, G.L. 1981. Crabeater seal Lobodon carcinophagus (Hombron and Jacquinot, 1842). pp. 221-235 in Ridgway, S.H. & Harrison, R.J. (eds). Handbook of Marine Mammals. Volume 2. Seals. London : Academic Press.

Messer, M., Crisp, E.A. & Newgrain, K. 1988. Studies on the carbohydrate contentof milk of the crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. B. Comparative Biochemistry 90: 367-370

Shaughnessy, P.D. 1991. Immobiliation of crabeater seals, Lobodon carcinophagus, ketamine and diazepam. Wildlife Research 18: 165-168

Siniff, D.B., Stirling, I., Bengston, J.L. & Reichle, R.A. 1979. Social and reproductive behaviour of the crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus) during the austral spring. Canadian Journal of Zoology 57: 2243-2255

Southwell, C.J. 2004. Satellite dive recorders provide insights into the reproductive strategies of crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus). Journal of Zoology, London 264: 399-402

Common Name References

ABRS 2001. Census of Australian Vertebrates. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Crab-eater Seal)

History of changes

• Mirounga Gray, J.E. 1827. Synopsis of the species of the class Mammalia. pp. 1-391 in Cuvier, G. Baron (ed.). The animal kingdom arranged in conformity with its organization / by the Baron Cuvier ; with additional descriptions of all the species hitherto named, and of many not before noticed, by Edward Griffith and others. (16 vols: 1827–1835). London : George B. Whittaker Vol. 5. [179].

  Type species:

   Phoca proboscidea Péron, 1816 (=Phoca leonina Linnaeus, 1758) by original designation.

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.
• Macrorhinus Gray, J.E. 1825. An outline of an attempt at the disposition of the Mammalia into tribes and families with a list of the genera apparently appertaining to each tribe. Annals of Philosophy ns 10: 337-344 [publication date established from Iredale, T. & Troughton, E. le G. 1934. A check-list of the mammals recorded from Australia. Mem. Aust. Mus. 6: i–xii 1–122 (Order Pinnipedia pp. 87–89)] [340] [nom. nud.; ex Cuvier vernacular].

  Secondary source:

   Iredale, T. & Troughton, E. le G. 1934. A check-list of the mammals recorded from Australia. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 6: i-xii 1-122.
• Macrorhinus Geoffroy [Saint-Hilaire], É. & Cuvier, G.L.C.F.D. 1826. Phoques. Vol. 39 in, Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles. Strasbourg & Paris (1816–1830). 540-590 pp. [publication date established from Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford Univ. Press x 179 pp. 32 pls] [552] [junior homonym of Macrorhinus Latreille, 1825].

  Type species:

   Phoca proboscidea Péron, 1816 (=Phoca leonina Linnaeus, 1758) by original designation.
• Rhinophoca Wagler, J.G. 1830. Natürliches System der Amphibien, mit Vorangehender Klassifikation der Säugethiere und Vögel. Ein Beitrag zur Vergleicherden Zoologie. München : J.G. Cota'schen Buchhandlung vi 354 pp. [Date published Aug. 1830] [27] [nom. nov. for Macrorhinus Geoffroy & Cuvier, 1826].
• Morunga Gray, J.E. 1837. Description of some new or little known Mammalia, principally in the British Museum Collection. Magazine of Natural History ns 1: 577-587 [Date published Nov. 1837: publication date established from Thomas, O. 1888. Catalogue of the Marsupialia and Monotremata in the Collection of the British Museum (Natural History). London : British Museum xiii 401 pp. 28 pls [3 Nov. 1888]] [582] [emendation only of Mirounga Gray, 1827].

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.
• Physorhinus Gloger, C.W.L. 1841. Gemeinnütziges Hand- und Hilfsbuch der Naturgeschichte. Für gebildete leser aller Stände. Bd I. Breslau : Schulz & Co. xxxiv 495 pp. [Date published May 1841: publication date established from Thomas, O. 1895. An analysis of the mammalian generic names given in Dr. C.W.L. Gloger's 'Naturgeschichte' (1841). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 6 15: 189–193] [163] [junior homonym of Physorhinus Eschscholtz, 1836].

  Type species:

   Phoca proboscidea Péron & lesueur, 1807 by monotypy.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Iredale, T. & Troughton, E. le G. 1934. A check-list of the mammals recorded from Australia. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 6: i-xii 1-122 [88]

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Circumpolar, subantarctic islands and Antarctica.

Distribution References

History of changes

• Phoca leonina Linnaeus, C. 1758. Systema naturae per regna tria naturae, secundem classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentis, synonymis, locis. Editio decima, reformata. Holmiae : Laurentii Salvii Vol. 1 10 Edn., 824 pp. [37].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH 1946.8.9.1 skull fragments (Type data: lectotype BMNH *. Subsequent designation: Hamilton, J.E. (1940). On the history of the Elephant Seal Mirounga leonina (Linn.). Proc. Linn. Soc. Lond. 1939-40: 33-37. locality: see Scheffer, V.B. (1958). Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford Univ. Press x 179 pp. 32 pls), Isla Más a Tierre, Islas Juan Fernández.

  Type locality references:

  Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.

  Secondary source:

   Jackson, S. & Groves, C. 2015. Taxonomy of Australian Mammals. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 520 pp. [302].
• Phoca proboscidea Péron, F. 1816. Voyage de Découvertes aux Terres Australes, Exécuté par ordre de Sa Majesté l'Empereur et Roi sur les corvettes le Géographe, le Naturaliste, et la goellette le Casuarina, pendant les Années 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803 et 1804. Paris : Imprimere Royale Vol. 1 & 2 + atlas xxxii 472 pp. [34].

  Type data:

   Status unknown, King Is., Bass Strait.

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.; Jackson, S. & Groves, C. 2015. Taxonomy of Australian Mammals. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 520 pp. [303].
• Mirounga leonina Allen, J.A. 1905. The Mammalia of southern Patagonia. Report of the Princeton University Expedition to Patagonia, 1896–1899 Zool. 3: 1-210 pls i-xxix [95].
• Macrorhinus leoninus crosetensis Lydekker, R. 1909. On the skull-characters of the southern sea elephant. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1909: 600-606 [606].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH (number not given), Crozet, (?)Kerguelen and Heard Ils.

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.
• Macrorhinus leoninus macquariensis Lydekker, R. 1909. On the skull-characters of the southern sea elephant. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1909: 600-606 [603].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1.6.22.1 & 9A.11.17.1, Macquarie Is. and Chatham Islands.

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Jackson, S. & Groves, C. 2015. Taxonomy of Australian Mammals. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 520 pp. [302]

Generic Combinations

• Mirounga leonina crosetensis (Lydekker, 1909).
• Mirounga leonina leonina (Linnaeus, 1758).
• Mirounga leonina (Linnaeus, 1758).
• Mirounga leonina leonina (Linnaeus, 1758).
• Mirounga leonina macquariensis (Lydekker, 1909).

Distribution

Extra Distribution Information

Heard Is., distribution circumpolar mainly in subantarctic latitudes; also Crozat & Kerguelen Islands.

Ecological Descriptors

Gregarious, migratory, oceanic, pelagic, piscivore, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Diet includes cephalopods.

General References

Arnborn, T., Fedak, M.A., Boyd, I.L. & McConnell, B.J. 1993. Variation in weaning mass of pups in relation to maternal mass, postweaning fast duration, and weaned pup behaviour in southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at South Georgia. Canadian Journal of Zoology 71: 1772-1781

Bell, C.M., Burton, H.R. & Hindell, M.A. 1997. Growth of southern elephant seals, Mirounga leonina, during their first foraging trip. Australian Journal of Zoology 45: 447-458

Bell, C.M., Hindell, M.A.& Burton, H.R. 1997. Estimation of body mass in the southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina, by photogrammetry and morphometrics. Marine Mammal Science 13: 669-682

Bryden, M.M. 1988. Southern elephant seals as subjects for physiological research. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 122: 153-157

Bryden, M.M. 1995. Southern Elephant Seal Mirounga leonina. pp. 686-688 in Strahan, R. (ed.). The Mammals of Australia: The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife. Sydney : Reed New Holland 756 pp.

Burton, H. 1986. A substantial decline in numbers of the southern elephant seal at Heard Island. Tasmanian Naturalist 86: 4-8

Burton, H.R. 1985. Tagging studies of male southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) in the Vestfold Hills area, Antarctica, and some aspects of their behaviour. pp. 19-30 in Ling, J.K. & Bryden, M.M. (eds). Studies of sea mammals in south latitudes. Adelaide : South Australian Museum 132 pp.

Fulton, W.N. 1990. First record of an Australian sea lion on the eastern Australian coast. Victorian Naturalist 107: 124-125

Gales, N.J. & Burton, H.R. 1987. Ultrasonic measurement of blubber thickness of the southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina (Linn). Australian Journal of Zoology 35: 207-217

Green, K. & Burton, H.R. 1993. Comparison of the stomach contents of southern elephant seals, Mirounga leonina, at Macquarie and Heard Islands. Marine Mammal Science 9: 10-22

Griffiths, D.J. 1984. The annual cycle of the epididymis of the elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island. Journal of Zoology, London 203: 181-191

Griffiths, D.J. 1984. The annual cycle of the testis of the elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island. Journal of Zoology, London 203: 193-204

Griffiths, D.J. 1985. Endocrine regulation of seasonal breeding in the male southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island. pp. 31-40 in Ling, J.K. & Bryden, M.M. (eds). Studies of sea mammals in south latitudes. Adelaide : South Australian Museum 132 pp.

Griffiths D.J. & Bryden, M.M. 1986. Adenohypophysis of the elephant seal (Mirounga leonina): morphology and seasonal histological changes. American Journal of Anatomy 176: 483-496

Hindell, M.A. 1991. Some life-history parameters of a declining population of southern elephant seals, Mirounga leonina. Journal of Animal Ecology 60: 119-134

Hindell, M.A., Bryden, M.M. & Burton, H.R. 1994. Early growth and milk composition in southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina). Australian Journal of Zoology 42: 723-732

Hindell, M.A., Burton, H.R. & Slip, D.J. 1991. Foraging areas of southern elephant seals, Mirounga leonina, as inferred from water temperature data. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 42: 115-128

Hindell, M.A., Slip, D.J. & Burton, H.R. 1991. The diving behaviour of adult male and female southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina (Pinnipedia: Phocidae). Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 39: 595-619

Hindell, M.A., Slip, D.J. & Burton, H.R. 1994. Body mass loss of moulting female southern elephant seals, Mirounga leonina, at Macquarie Island. Polar Biology 14: 275-278

Hindell, M.A. & Burton, H.R. 1987. Past and present status of the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island. Journal of Zoology, London 213: 365-380

Hindell, M.A. & Burton, H.R. 1988. Seasonal haul-out patterns of the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina L.), at Macquarie Island. Journal of Mammalogy 69: 81-88

Hindell, M.A. & Burton, H.R. 1988. The history of the elephant seal industry at Macquarie Island and an estimate of the pre-sealing numbers. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 122: 159-176

Hindell, M.A. & Little, G.J. 1988. Longevity, fertility and philopatry of two female southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island. Marine Mammal Science 4: 168-171

Jackson, S. & Groves, C. 2015. Taxonomy of Australian Mammals. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 520 pp. [302-304]

Jonker, F.C. & Bester, M.N. 1994. The diving behaviour of adult southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina, cows from Marion Island. South African Journal of Antarctic Research 24: 75-93

King, J.E. 1983. Seals of the World. 2nd Edition. St Lucia : Univ. Queensland Press 240 pp.

Krockenberger, M.B. & Bryden, M.M. 1993. Energy intake of immature elephant seals, Mirounga leonina (Carnivora: Phocidae). Australian Journal of Zoology 41: 589-597

Krockenberger, M.B. & Bryden, M.M. 1994. Rate of passage of digesta through the alimentary tract of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) (Carnivora: Phocidae). Journal of Zoology, London 234: 229-237

Le Boeuf, B.J. & Laws, R.M. (eds) 1994. Elephant Seals: Population Ecology, Behaviour, and Pysiology. Berkeley : University of California Press.

Ling, J.K. & Bryden, M.M. 1981. Southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina Linnaeus, 1758. pp. 297-327 in Ridgway, S.H. & Harrison, R.J. (eds). Handbook of Marine Mammals. Volume 2. Seals. London : Academic Press.

Ling, J.K. & Bryden, M.M. 1992. Mirounga leonina. Mammalian Species 391: 1-8

Little, G.J. 1991. Thyroid morphology and function and its role in thermoregulation in the newborn southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) at Macquarie Island. Journal of Anatomy 176: 55-70

Little, G.J., Bryden, M.M. & Barnes, A. 1987. Growth from birth to 20 days in the elephant seal, Mirounga leonina, at Macquarie Island. Australian Journal of Zoology 35: 307-312

Little, G.L. 1995. Body temperature in the newborn southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina, at Macquarie Island. Marine Mammal Science 11: 480-490

McCann, T.S. 1985. Size, status and demography of southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) populations. pp. 1-17 in Ling, J.K. & Bryden, M.M. (eds). Studies of sea mammals in south latitudes. Adelaide : South Australian Museum 132 pp.

Pemberton, D. & Skira, I.J. 1989. Elephant seals in Tasmania. Victorian Naturalist 106: 202-204

Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.

Slip, D.J. 1995. The diet of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) from Heard Island. Canadian Journal of Zoology 1995: 1519-1528

Slip, D.J., Burton, H.R. & Gales, N.J. 1992. Determining blubber mass in the southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina, by ultrasonic and isotopic techniques. Australian Journal of Zoology 40: 143-152

Slip, D.J., Gales, N.J. & Burton, H.R. 1992. Bodymass loss, utilisation of blubber and fat, and energetic requirements of male southern elephant seals, Mirounga leonina, during the moulting fast. Australian Journal of Zoology 40: 235-243

Woods, R., McLean, S., Nicol, S. & Burton, H. 1995. Antagonism of some cyclohexamine-based drug combinations used for chemical restraint of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina). Australian Veterinary Journal 72: 165-171

Common Name References

ABRS 2001. Census of Australian Vertebrates. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Southern Elephant Seal)

History of changes

• Ommatophoca Gray, J.E. 1844. The seals of the southern hemisphere. 1-8 pls 1-10, 14-17 in Richardson, J. & Gray, J.E. (eds). The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Erebus and Terror, under the Command of Captain Sir James Clark Ross, R.N., F.R.S., during the years 1839 to 1843, Volume 1 Mammalia, Birds. London : E.W. Janson. [3].

  Type species:

   Ommatophoca rossi Gray, 1844 by subsequent designation, see Barrett-Hamilton, G.E.H. 1902. Report on the Collections of Natural History made in the Antarctic Regions During the Voyage of the Southern Cross. London : British Museum 66 pp. 1 pl.

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.

Distribution

States

South Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Antarctica and circumpolar.

IMCRA

Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33)

Other Regions

Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Distribution References

History of changes

• Ommatophoca rossi Gray, J.E. 1844. The seals of the southern hemisphere. 1-8 pls 1-10, 14-17 in Richardson, J. & Gray, J.E. (eds). The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Erebus and Terror, under the Command of Captain Sir James Clark Ross, R.N., F.R.S., during the years 1839 to 1843, Volume 1 Mammalia, Birds. London : E.W. Janson. [7].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH 1843.11.25.4 ♀ adult skeleton, Ross Sea, Antarctica.
  Paralectotype(s) BMNH 1843.11.16.7 ♀ juv. skull.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Barrett-Hamilton, G.E.H. 1902. Report on the Collections of Natural History made in the Antarctic Regions During the Voyage of the Southern Cross. London : British Museum 66 pp. 1 pl.

  Secondary source:

   Scheffer, V.B. 1958. Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. A review of the Pinnipedia. Stanford : Stanford University Press x 179 pp. 32 pls.

Distribution

States

South Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Heard Is.; single record of this seal for mainland Australia.

IMCRA

Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33)

Other Regions

Heard & McDonald Islands (Aust. Terr.)

Ecological Descriptors

Predator, sedentary.

Extra Ecological Information

Diet includes cephalopods, fish and krill.

General References

Bengston, J.L. & Steart, B.S. 1997. Diving patterns of a Ross seal (Ommatophoca rossii) near the eastern coast of the Antarctic peninsula. Polar Biology 18: 214-218

King, J.E. 1969. Some aspects of the aatomy of the Ross seal, Ommatophoca rossi (Pinnipedia: Phocidae). British Antarctic Survey Scientific Reports 63: 1-54

King, J.E. 1983. Seals of the World. 2nd Edition. St Lucia : Univ. Queensland Press 240 pp.

Ling, J.K. 1995. Ross Seal Ommatophoca rossi. pp. 693-694 in Strahan, R. (ed.). The Mammals of Australia: The National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife. Sydney : Reed New Holland 756 pp.

Ray, G.L. 1981. Ross seal Ommatophoca rossi Gray, 1844. pp. 237-260 in Ridgway, S.H. & Harrison, R.J. (eds). Handbook of Marine Mammals. Volume 2. Seals. London : Academic Press.

Southwell, C. 2003. Haul-out behaviour of two Ross seals off eastern Antarctica. Antarctic Science 15: 257-258

Tedman, R.A. 1991. Morphology of the reproductive tract of a juvenile male Ross seal, Ommatophoca rossi (Pinnipedia: Phocidae). Australian Mammalogy 14: 35-38

Common Name References

ABRS 2001. Census of Australian Vertebrates. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Ross Seal)

History of changes