The identity of the fur seals of Australia

Abstract

A brief history is given of the previous nomenclature of Australian fur seals. Because of the availability of greater numbers of skulls it has been possible to confirm the presence of the New Zealand fur seal Avctocephalus fovsteri in resident breeding colonies off the Western Australian and South Australian coasts. The only other fur seal living in Australian waters is A. doriferus from the coasts of Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales. Methods of identifying skulls of the two animals are given, and also reasons for adhering to the specific epithet doriferus. An estimate is given of the present numbers of A. forsteri living in Australian waters.