Pinnipeds

by Katie, Indian Mills Memorial School, Shamong, NJ

Pinnipeds by Other Members From Bank Street School for Children, NYC Seals

Walrus

Pinnipeds are the group of mammals to which seals and sea lions belong. These mammals are believed to have descended from bear-like or otter-like creatures who lived in or near the oceans millions of years ago. The name pinnipedia is Latin for "fin foot," referring to the animals' fin-like flippers. There are thirty-three living species of pinnipeds, divided into three families. The earless, or true seals, belong to the family Phocidae. Family Otariidae includes the eared seals, fur seals, and sea lions. The third family of pinnipeds, Odobenidae, are the walruses. Pinnipeds are found in polar, sub-polar, and temperate waters.

Pinnipeds have been exploited for their meat, blubber, hides, and tusks since the beginning of the eighteenth century. This, along with coastal development and human competition for prey, has led to a decrease in pinniped populations. Although humans are the primary reason for their decline, pinnipeds have other predators including large sharks, orca, polar bears, arctic foxes, and larger pinnipeds.

The decline of pinniped populations has lead to several species becoming threatened or endangered. The Steller sea lion, Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi), Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi), and Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) are all endangered. The Steller sea lion is found in the North Pacific Ocean from California to Northern Japan. It is threatened because of commercial over-fishing in the region. The Guadalupe fur seal, found north of the equator, is the rarest fur seal with only 7,000 individuals. The Mediterranean monk seal is found in remote, undisturbed areas of the Mediterranean Sea and the northwestern coast of Africa. Because fishermen consider it a competitor, and accuse the seals of destroying fishing gear, they have been hunted to about 600. Another endangered monk seal is found in the the northern Hawaiian islands. The Hawaiian monk seals' numbers have fallen to about 1,200 due to human activity in their habitat.

Pinnipeds are greatly in need of protection. Because of human activities, their habitats and food sources are threatened, and their populations are in decline. Through research and changing habits, people can make a difference for these wonderful creatures.

Do you have questions about seals and sea lions?
E-mail Alonso Aguirre to ask him about his work.