New mammals recognised for Australia - Antarctic and Subantarctic Fur Seals Arctocephalus species

Abstract

Recent authoritative texts on Australian mammals include several pinniped species but most omit the Antarctic Fur Seal Arctocephalus gazella and Subantarctic Fur Seal A. tropicalis. The former species breeds at Heard Island; at Macquarie Island it breeds in territories with A. tropicalis. Information is tabulated on skulls of these two species held in Australian museums. It is argued that they should be included in comprehensive lists of Australian mammals.