The Natural History of Seals

The seal family - the Pinnipedia includes three families, the Odobenidae (walrus), the Phocidae (the true seals with eighteen species or nineteen if the Caribbean monk seal is not extinct) and the Otariidae (the eared seals with fourteen species). This survey concentrates on the Phocidae, the true seals, though comparisons are made between all the groups where relevant. While placing seals in a large ecological framework as well as discussing general features such as their biology, social organization and growth patterns, the author looks at their evolution and their relationship with man both as competitors for food and as prey. Special problems confronting marine animals concerning pollution, net entanglement, reproduction and growth are discussed. The work concludes with a look at the conservation of seals and their prospects for the future. The book is intended for both the informed naturalist and conservationist as well as the professional biologist.
 
The seal family - the Pinnipedia includes three families, the Odobenidae (walrus), the Phocidae (the true seals with eighteen species or nineteen if the Caribbean monk seal is not extinct) and the Otariidae (the eared seals with fourteen species). This survey concentrates on the Phocidae, the true seals, though comparisons are made between all the groups where relevant. While placing seals in a large ecological framework as well as discussing general features such as their biology, social organization and growth patterns, the author looks at their evolution and their relationship with man both as competitors for food and as prey. Special problems confronting marine animals concerning pollution, net entanglement, reproduction and growth are discussed. The work concludes with a look at the conservation of seals and their prospects for the future. The book is intended for both the informed naturalist and conservationist as well as the professional biologist.