 the south american fur seal (arctocephalus australis) breeds on the coasts of chile, peru, and argentina. the total population is around 250,000. the population of south american fur seals in 1999 was estimated at 390,000, a drop from a 1987 estimate of 500,000. although overall species numbers are healthy, the downward trend is causing some concern. uruguay has the largest numbers of seals along its coast, numbering over 200,000. ==physical description== the south american fur seal has a dark grey coat of fur. the males of the species are almost entirely this color, though they may have grey or tan, grizzled markings. the females and subadult males have lighter grey or tan coloring on the chest and muzzle, and may have rust-brown or medium grey fur on their undersides. the muzzle is flat-topped and pointed, with a medium-sized nose. the nostrils are forward-facing and the nose extends past the mouth. the ear pinnae are long and prominent, and the vibrissae of adults are creamy white and of relatively short length. adult males are larger than females, with thicker necks and larger shoulders. males also develop manes of longer guard hairs on their heads and shoulders.marine mammals > species: arctocephalus australis (south american fur seal) size of the seals varies based on region, but on average, adult males measure up to 2 m long and weigh 150â200&nbsp;kg and females measure up to 1.5 m long and weigh 30â60&nbsp;kg.south american fur seal, arctocephalus australis at marinebio.org newborns are 60 to 65&nbsp;cm and 3.5 to 5.5&nbsp;kg. ==habitat== the south american fur seal is found on neotropical ocean coasts from the paracas peninsula of southern peru south to cape horn on the pacific coast, and northward to southern brazil on the atlantic coast. they are also found on the falkland islands, staten island, and escondida island.[
Eared_seals IUCN_Red_List_least_concern_species Mammals_of_Argentina Mammals_of_Chile Mammals_of_Patagonia Mammals_of_Peru