Harp seal

The harp seal, often referred to as the saddleback or Greenland seal, is a captivating species inhabiting the northern reaches of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Previously classified under the genus Phoca, it is now placed in the monotypic genus Pagophilus. Its scientific name aptly translates to "ice-lover from Greenland."

Adult harp seals are easily identifiable by their silver-gray fur and distinctive black, harp-shaped markings on their backs. They generally measure between 1.7 and 2.0 meters in length and weigh approximately 115 to 140 kilograms. Males tend to be slightly larger and more ornamented than females, boasting more prominent dorsal markings and darker heads.

Renowned for their exceptional diving abilities, harp seals' dive depths fluctuate according to season, location, and time of day. They are well-adapted to their frigid surroundings, utilizing blubber for insulation and special circulatory adaptations in their flippers to retain heat. Their large eyes are well-suited for low-light visibility, and their whiskers detect tactile sensations and vibrations.

As carnivores, harp seals have a diverse diet that includes various fish and invertebrates. Their life cycle is quite fascinating, with females giving birth to a single pup each year following an 11.5-month gestation period. These pups grow rapidly, relying on solar warmth and their behavior to stay comfortable.

Harp seals are sociable animals, forming large colonies and living up to 30 years in the wild. They spend the majority of their time in the water, coming ashore sporadically. The global population of harp seals is estimated to be between 2.25 and 3 million, with distinct breeding groups in different regions.

These seals are migratory and exhibit impressive navigational skills, occasionally appearing outside their usual range. Despite protections in certain countries, they continue to be commercially hunted in places such as Canada, Norway, Russia, and Greenland, which has impacted their population numbers over time.