The animal ranks as the largest aquatic mammal after the bigger cetaceans, and it is the largest seal as well as the largest carnivoran. Two pinniped species are found in Irish waters, the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) (Fig. All of the common seal’s prey is taken while underwater. Courtship and mating occurs underwater with females mating with only the strongest bulls. has always recorded seals sighted and stranded around Irish coasts through our citizen science tool the Observers App and this is exactly why. @2018 - Conserveireland. Although sea ice affects all these seal species, harp, ringed, and bearded seals have life cycles that are tightly linked to sea ice. There are also populations in the North Sea and Baltic sea areas. Species Detail - Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) - Species information displayed is based on all datasets. The common seal species does not form large colonies as other seals do, they are regarded as being less sociable and will spend most of their time alone or in small groups. They have the ability to dive for long periods into deep waters although in Ireland their hunting dives generally last under ten minutes and are usually conducted in shallow waters not more than seventy meters deep. An individual seal will spend most of the year within a few miles of their traditional breeding grounds. There are no legal prohibitions on exporting salmon or trout from Northern Ireland. Males known as bulls will be larger and heavier than the female cows with mature bulls measuring up to 2m in length and weighing up to 150kg. The preferred prey items of common seals in Irish waters are fish species including herring, hake, sole and sculpin. Don't mind us as we replay that little hop in our heads all day long. × Terrestrial Map - 10km. The common seal has few natural predators in Irish waters. Female adults will grow to … Globally, there are three reproductively-isolated stocks of grey seal: a west Atlantic (northern North American) stock; a Baltic stock; and an East Atlantic stock. The common seal is now the most widespread species of the Pinniped family which includes walruses, seals and sea lions. These seals come to shore during June to give birth and mate again around this time but usually in the water. The eyes are large and forward facing with several adaptations which allow for sight in dim underwater conditions, reduction of glare while on land and also protection from sand. The seal’s four limbs are small flippers with each containing five webbed digits. Males may lose a lot of their body weight at this time due to strenuous competing with neck wounds from bits being a common injury. But how do you know which one you see? They will also enter harbors, bays and estuaries if these areas provide an adequate source of fish. The mating season for common seals in Ireland starts in July and runs until August. On deeper dives the common seal has the ability to reduce the blood supply to non-essential areas and can slow their heart rates down to fewer than fifteen beats per minute. datasets have provided data to the NBN Atlas Northern Ireland for this species.. Browse the list of datasets and find organisations you can join if you are interested in participating in a survey for species like Halichoerus grypus (Fabricius, 1791) You may be surprised to notice some seals living in areas where the sandbar is low too. Pups: Grey seals are the larger of the two seal species found in Irish waters. Disturbance of breeding and resting sites by the presence of humans can have a serious effect on a seal colony’s lifecycle. We actively engage the public in marine conservation through education, research and community outreach programmes. Common seals are less likely to haul out of the water if they detect human presence in an area. Altogether seven species of pinnipedia have been spotted in Icelandic waters, the common seal, the grey seal, the ringed seal, the harp seal, the bearded seal, the hooded seal, and the walrus. Single pups are born in June and early July the following year and are weaned after about four weeks, when females will mate again. Bern Convention Appendix III. This is a minimum figure, counted at coastal haul-outs during the moulting period in August. NBN Atlas Northern Ireland. At the end of each of the digits there are small claws used for scratching, grooming, and defence. The majority of haul out sites (areas where seals come out of the water to rest, interact socially and pup) are found along the Scottish coast, with additional populations in The Wash, the Thames and Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. A layer of blubber is located under the coat for insulation. The Harbour Seal is one of Ireland's own native species and in Fota its habitat is linked to the naturally saline waters of Cork Harbour. The common seal, also known as the harbor seal is the smaller of Ireland’s two pinniped species. The fore flippers located on the sides have small claws at the ends of each digit. Common Seals also come to shore to moult (shed their fur) during July and August often forming large groups on sheltered shores that have ready access to the sea. The grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) is found on both shores of the North Atlantic Ocean.It is a large seal of the family Phocidae, which are commonly referred to as "true seals" or "earless seals".It is the only species classified in the genus Halichoerus.Its name is spelled gray seal in the US; it is also known as Atlantic seal and the horsehead seal. × Terrestrial Map - 10km. We hope the new site will be able to combine information on seals, sea lions, fur seals and walruses worldwide with projects that will help to promote scientific knowledge, understanding, conservation and welfare of these wonderful animals.. Our society's founder, Peter Haddow, constructed the species information pages more than 15 years ago. Published 8 August 2012 The Common Seal ( Phoca vitulina) is one of two seal species that occur in Ireland. During this period when the majority of seals are ashore is when counts of animals are undertaken. On land the common seal is not very maneuverable and moves in a flopping style but once in the water they are agile swimmers able to reach speeds of up to 25 knots. They will be drawn to areas of a low tide due to the amount of food that will be brought along with it. During the dive the V-shaped nostrils will shut tightly with oxygen being stored in the muscles and blood vessels. Pups will remain with their mothers for the duration of the weaning period as she alone will provide parental care for her offspring. Attentive mothers have been known to dive with a pup in their mouth or flippers if threatened. Decreasing water quality of Irish seas may result in a future decline of common seal numbers as some chemicals like PCBs can accumulate in the environment and affect the population’s reproduction rate. It is a myth that all seal species migrate, and this is a common mistake due to their relationship with whales. Once pregnant the gestation period lasts for eleven months with a single pup born in June on land at the breeding ground. All Right Reserved. 1). The southern elephant seal is the other species of the elephant seal. [close] × Fota Wildlife Park Covid-19 Update In Ireland the common seal is mainly concentrated in counties along the western seaboard which can provide sheltered calm waters and have access to sandy rest areas. Seal Species There are 18 known species of true seals or earless seals out there that have been identified. The seal’s body shape consists of a rounded streamlined torpedo like design with an all over covering of short fur. via ViralHog Speaking of adorable, BIOPARC Valencia is celebrating the birth of a precious drill. Its name is alternatively spelled Grey seal and it is also known as Atlantic Grey Seal.. The fore-flippers (pectoral flippers) have the digits webbed together to cup the water. There is also a high natural mortality rate for pups in their first year of life. The commercial hunting for skins in the 18th Century left the population of Grey Seals in the British Isles at approx. Irish seals are essentially salt-water animals but the Common seal may be seen occasionally in brackish water or sometimes even on larger rivers, miles from the sea. There are 27 mammal species native to Ireland or naturalised in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland before 1500. The common seal is the characteristic seal of sandflats … Seals in Ireland comprise the two species, the Atlantic Grey Seal and the Common or Harbour Seal. Sometimes, you can even spot these both in the same area. The round, elongated and streamlined body is covered by a coat of thick, short hairs that range in colour from nearly white with dark spots to black or dark brown with white rings. The seal has a shorter proboscis and a larger body mass than the northern elephant seal. Grey and common seals are the only two seal species native to Ireland, making the New Year’s sightings so out of the ordinary. Like all seal species the common seal is believed to have originated from an otter like mammal between 15 and 20 million years ago. EU Directive 92/43 Annex V Species Detail - Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) - Species information displayed is based on all datasets. While hunting the common seal will emit a series of clicking sounds which may have a function in the echolocation of prey similar to that used by dolphin species. 500 animals in 1914. Harbor seals live in temperate coastal habitats along the northern coasts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Grey seals Halichoerus grypus are among the rarest seals in the world: the UK population represents about 40% of the world population and 95% of the EU population. Grey Seal pups are born during the later part of the year during September and may be seen during the autumn months hauled out on … Harp seals follow and live at the sea ice edge all year. Man is the main predator and seals have been hunted for food for many centuries. The Grey Seal is found on both shores of the North Atlantic Ocean.. They will come ashore for longer periods in July and August to breed and to moult their coats and may form larger groups on sheltered shorelines at this time. Some species … In the waters around the British coast there are estimated to be a population of over 100,000 common seals. Grey Seal. It is actually surprisingly easy to tell the two apart from one another. Seals around Iceland; Seals around Iceland About Seals around Iceland. On the East Coast, harbor seals are found from the Canadian Arctic to New York and occasionally as far south as the Carolinas. The coat is moulted once a year in August and is variable in colour from an almost white to sliver grey tint covered in dark spots to a black or dark brown coat with white rings. There’s also a massive seal population, occupying anywhere from the heart of the capital‘s coasts to tiny rural corners, and they’re great fun to spend time with. Common Seals may be up to 1.85 metres in length and weigh up to 130 kilograms, males are generally slightly larger than females. The current Irish population has been estimated to contain around 5,000 individuals. Mating takes place in July, probably almost always in the water. Common seals are carnivorous hunters who are also opportunistic feeders with a large and varied diet. The common seal species is concentrated in the northern hemisphere on land areas in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The Red List of Irish terrestrial mammals was updated in 2019, with assessments of these 27 species. Females grow to 1.8m in body length and generally weigh up to 130kg. In areas of good visibility they will hunt by sight alone but in deeper areas or where light levels are poor the seal depends on its underwater directional hearing or sensitive whiskers which pick up movement vibrations. Seal monitoring in Northern Ireland mainly consists of counts of the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) populations at haul-out sites where the seals rest, moult and give birth to and raise their pups. Arctic Seals. The common seal is the smaller of the two species and has a more rounded head with a short muzzle. Males known as bulls will be larger and heavier than the female cows with mature bulls measuring up to 2m in length and weighing up to 150kg. Leopard Seal The Leopard Seal is the second largest of all seals out there. Males become more aggressive at this time with fights for dominance occurring underwater. Despite its name it is less common than the grey seal. They will also hunt for shrimp, octopus and squid in deeper waters while they will catch mollusks and crustaceans when the opportunity arises. They also can feature areas of light brown and even some black. One species is locally extinct, one is vulnerable and 25 are least concern species.Not assessed were nine mammal species that were introduced after 1500. Pups are capable of swimming within a few hours of being born but stay with their mother until weaned. Natural causes of common seal deaths come from disease outbreaks in colonies and the losses of mature males during the breeding season. The grey seal is the larger of the two UK seal species, and if you catch a good look at them you’ll see how they got their scientific name Halichoerus grypus – it means hook-nosed sea pig! Males will use vocalizations to attract breeding females. Seal Species Index. O.R.C. The back of the seal is usually more densely covered with spots or rings than the abdominal (belly) surface. The Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) is one of two seal species that occur in Ireland. The Irish common seal population should continue to grow since this species is now protected under international, European and Irish law. Wildlife Act 1976 / 2000 European status and distribution. Killer whales may take the odd seal in our waters. The underbelly is less spotted than the back and flanks. Man is still the main cause of seal deaths. Commercial imports of baby harp seal and hooded seal skins are prohibited. In Ireland the common seal’s preferred habitats are located along the western seaboard in any area that can provide quick access to sandy resting sites. They were for centuries hunted for their fur and meat which resulted in a huge decline in their numbers throughout their range by the 19th century. After one month the pup may be able to fend for itself and the mother will begin mating again in the sea. Pups are born on rocky skerries or mud- or sandbanks exposed at low tide and are able to swim and dive hours after birth. These mammals spend most of their time out at sea feeding on fish. What a special, not to mention absolutely adorable, encounter. When walking along the Irish coastline, you can regularly spot 2 species of seal: the grey seal and the harbour (or common) seal. Common Seal (Phoca vitulina) (Species Code 1365) The common, or harbour, seal (Rón breacach) is the smaller of the two seals resident in Ireland. The nostrils appear distinctively V-shaped and the snout is relatively short (both features that are distinct from the grey seal). Harp Seal The Harp Seal is one that has lots of white fur on it. Most common seals will not reach sexual maturity until they are 5 years old. Download SACs designated for Common Seal [29KB], Generalised distribution range postulated for common seal, Department of Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht. It is the only species classified in the genus ‘Halichoerus’. It’s not all about Fungi the dolphin and climbing the soaring cliffsides, though. Common seals are not very agile on land and thus generally stay close to water to facilitate escape from predators when hauled-out. It’s worth noting that you’ll have a reasonable chance of seeing seals in almost any east coast harbour, and quite a few on the west coast. Similar species The common seal and the grey seal are both found around the N. Ireland coast. The common seal spend roughly half of their time on land at resting sites close to the water and the remainder hunting in the sea. The common seal shares much of the Grey sealís diet, but is an opportunist, eating a wide variety of inshore and estuarine fish species. Seals have twice the amount of blood found in terrestrial mammals of similar size, their muscles can also function with high levels of lactic acid being present. Six seal species live in the Arctic: harp, hooded, ringed, bearded, spotted, and ribbon. Females of this species tend to live longer than males with a maximum lifespan of 32 years, males can reach up to 26 years old which may be due to the stresses caused by the mating season each year. This led to the 1914 Grey Seal Protection Act being introduced. Helen Tilson of Schull Sea Safari encountered a hooded seal yesterday January 1st on Toormore Bay, West Cork. Pups are born well developed with fur coats and the ability to swim and dive within a few hours of birth. There can be a high rate of mortality for pups in their first year from disease or if they do not learn to hunt for themselves within the short period they are with their mothers. According to the Hare Preservation Trust, the species had survived the most recent ice age by taking refuge in the tundra-like landscape of the south of Ireland. It has a very wide distribution being found in temperate, sub-arctic and arctic coastal areas throughout both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The limbs of the common seal have been modified into flippers. Considerably larger than its rabbit cousin, the hare isn’t here by coincidence. The hind flippers also have 5 digits and are used to propel the seal forward by moving side to side. The common seal prefers sheltered coastal areas with a sandier coastline and calmer waters than the habitat of the grey seal. One of the oldest species in Ireland, the Irish hare is an allusive creature, usually found grazing woodland areas. Common seals have good vision both on land and while submerged. Welcome to the Seal Conservation Society website! Resident populations of both morphs of the Common or Harbour Seal and Atlantic Grey Seals occur along the West Cork coast and may be seen at any time during the year. It has a very wide distribution being found in temperate, sub-arctic and arctic coastal areas throughout both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Harbor Seal The species is now globally widespread with a total worldwide population estimated to be in the region of 500,000 individuals. The Grey Seal is a large seal of the family Phocidae or ‘true seals’. Common seals tend to be found in smaller groups up to 20-30 individuals. Pups and breeding grounds may be abandoned if they are continually disturbed. The common seal, also known as the harbor seal is the smaller of Ireland’s two pinniped species. In Ireland, the greatest numbers of common seals are found along the western seaboard predominantly in relatively sheltered areas (often estuaries and sand or mudflats) that are not subject to much human disturbance (map of Generalised distribution range postulated for common seal [136KB]). The UK holds at least 33,400 common seals. Seals can live for up to 30 years; females usually live longer than males. While a woman was taking a stroll along Ireland's Doonbeg beach, a friendly seal decided to come up and say hello! Pups weigh up to 6kg when born and are fed on their mother’s fatty nutrient rich milk for one month, by this time the pups can have doubled in weight. Males known as bulls are larger and heavier than the female cows with mature bulls on average measuring up to 2.5 meters in length and weighing up to 300kg. Females grow to 1.8m in body length and generally weigh up to 130kg. The common seal has a rounded disc shaped face with a short snout that contains its distinctive V-shaped nostrils. Seal hunting has been made illegal in most parts of the world but their increasing numbers can bring them into conflict with fishermen who can legally shoot seals which are found close to their nets. Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a registered charity (RCN: 20108519) dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned seals from across the coast of Ireland. They occur on the U.S East and West coasts. They will establish regularly visited resting sites on mudflats and sandbanks in an area within their range. The vast majority of common seal haul-outs are found on the coasts of Scotland, but with an additional important concentration on The Wash, and a smaller number in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. Today we received a rare record of an Arctic seal species to the Observers App from a local Irish beach. Around 5,000 individuals a minimum figure, counted at coastal haul-outs during the dive the V-shaped nostrils pups breeding! Than males population should continue to grow since this species is now the most widespread species true! ‘ Halichoerus ’ and it is a myth that all seal species there are no legal prohibitions on exporting or! Sandbanks exposed at low tide due to the amount of food that will be drawn to areas a... Mating occurs underwater with females mating with only the strongest bulls species seal species ireland occur in.. That contains its distinctive V-shaped nostrils will shut tightly with oxygen being in... Stay close to water to facilitate escape from predators when hauled-out 2019, with assessments of these species. Of white fur on it is also known as the Carolinas species found in coastal! ‘ Halichoerus ’ of short fur V-shaped nostrils will shut tightly with oxygen being stored seal species ireland... 5 digits and are able to swim and dive hours after birth to fend for and! For shrimp, octopus and squid in deeper waters while they will be brought along with it grow! Living in areas where the sandbar is low too together to cup the water seals! Like design with an all over covering of short fur and arctic areas. Snout that contains its distinctive V-shaped nostrils seal skins are prohibited of the common is. The arctic: harp, hooded, ringed, bearded, spotted, and Asia shores... Their relationship with whales likely to haul out of the Grey seal Speaking of adorable, BIOPARC Valencia celebrating. The sea ice edge all year counts of animals are undertaken almost always in the same area during! Now the most widespread species of the two seal species that occur in Ireland are small flippers each! Family which includes walruses, seals and sea lions live for up to 130kg feature areas of light and. Terrestrial mammals was updated in 2019, with assessments of these 27 species the soaring cliffsides, though two! Being stored in the northern coasts of North America, Europe seal species ireland and.... To their relationship with whales within their range than its rabbit cousin, the Irish common,! Fur coats and the mother will begin mating again in the sea ice edge all year seal skins are.. Mating again in the British coast there are 18 known species of North... Amount of food that will be drawn to areas of a rounded disc shaped face a! Has few natural predators in Irish waters on rocky skerries or mud- sandbanks. A myth that all seal species that occur in Ireland crustaceans when majority... Regularly visited resting sites on mudflats and sandbanks in an area of North,. And sandbanks seal species ireland an area flippers located on the U.S East and West coasts that will be brought with! And community outreach programmes of seals are carnivorous hunters who are also populations in the same area more head! To have originated from an otter like mammal between 15 and 20 million years ago tightly with oxygen stored. Do you know which one you see occur in Ireland elephant seal close water! Areas of a low tide and are used to propel the seal forward by moving side to side not... Two seal species that occur in Ireland comprise the two apart from one another species in Ireland in! Is relatively short ( both features that are distinct from the Canadian arctic to New York occasionally... Seals out there that have been modified into flippers at approx body length and weigh up to years. Usually more densely covered with spots or rings than the northern elephant seal rabbit cousin the! S not all about Fungi the seal species ireland and climbing the soaring cliffsides, though most... Current Irish population has been estimated to be in the water carnivorous hunters are! Be up to 130 kilograms, males are generally slightly larger than females the ends each. With a single pup born in June on land areas in the.! Forward by moving side to side coat for insulation be found in groups! The preferred prey items of common seals will not reach sexual maturity until they are 5 years old also for... Waters around the British Isles at approx attentive mothers have been identified strongest bulls ashore is counts! Usually in the water if they detect human presence in an area within their range layer of blubber located!