New publication on Leopard seals

A new Information Summary on Leopard seals has been published. “Leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx)” was written by Tracey L. Rogers, Jaume Forcada and Douglas J. Krause.

The publication gives an overview of the range, habitat and ecology, management and challenges of the species.

Click here to access the Information Summary.

Brief Overview:

• The IUCN Red List conservation status of the leopard seal is ‘Least Concern’. Nonetheless, sea-ice habitat loss, reduced krill stocks and increased fishing may combine to impact the species.
• The last surveys of this species were in 1999/2000.
• The leopard seal is the only animal among the Pinnipeds to hunt large vertebrate prey and yet also filter feed to eat small invertebrate prey.