09 Dec, 2008

Within a week, these pups will lose their black coats and take on a lighter shade.

When we landed on the beach at Fortuna Bay in South Georgia, an island in the South Atlantic Ocean, it was well covered by Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella).

It was immediately clear to use that 'pupping' was in full swing. Newborn seals suckled greedily from their mothers, while bloody patches on the snow remained as evidence of their recent arrival.

Fresh seal placentas which the skuas had not yet cleared away also littered the pristine landscape. For the pups this would have been a really cold night on which to be born.

After a week the pups will change from their distinctive furry black coats to a lighter shade and their mothers will immediately become receptive to the males' advances once again.

The pups will not be fed as frequently then, so the mothers' milk must be high in fat and protein for the young to grow as rapidly as possible while still suckling.

– by Vanessa Stephen, Earth-Touch crew © Earth-Touch

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