Ommatophoca rossii
Ross seal

Ross Seals are unique in that they are the only Antarctic seal whose range is restricted to the Antarctic seas, and they have never been documented in extra-polar regions (Allen 1942). These seals are circumpolar, with most individuals found on the pack ice off the shores of Antarctica, with their range extending no farther than 60° S latitude (King 1990). (Allen, 1942; King, 1990)

Ross seals are associated with areas of medium to dense pack ice (Spettstoesser et al. 2000). The areas in which they dwell are often remote and hard to navigate. This leads to a lack of information about the specific habitats they are prone to utilize. Observational accounts recorded in Spettstoesser et al. (2000) make an initial attempt to determine specific habitat use, however data remain vague and anecdotal. (Splettstoesser, et al., 2000)

Ross seals are the smallest seals of the Antarctic region, with a thick neck and a slender body. Members of this species have short body hairs, with the shortest hair and vibrissae of any phocid. They are dark brown on their dorsal surface and their ventral surface is silvery; spots and streaks frequently mark the head, neck, and flank. During the summer, unmoulted seals are tan to brownish, with moult occurring in January. Males average smaller than females, from 168 to 208 cm long and weighting 129 to 216 kg. Females measure from 190 to 250 cm long and weigh between 159 and 204 kg. Ross seals can easily be distinguished from closely related seals by their disproportionately large eyes (70mm in diameter). The large eye sockets in the skull are a good character by which a Ross seal can be identified (King 1990).

Little is known about mating in Ross seals.

Females become sexually mature at 2 to 4 years of age, while males can reproduce for the first time between ages 3 and 4. Ross seals mate in early December, but implantation is delayed until early March. Pupping season occurs in early November, after a 9 month gestation period. A typical male weighs 16.5 kg at birth and nurses for 4 to 6 weeks. Weaning is complete around mid-December, approximately 6 weeks after birth (Skinner 1984). After 15 days of nursing pups reach a weight of about 75 kg.

Young Ross seals develop quickly once born, gaining weight rapidly from their mother's rich milk. Once they are weaned they become independent from their mother.

Ross seal males have been known to reach 21 years, while the oldest female known was 19 years old (King 1990).

Ross seals are thought to be solitary and sparsely distributed across pack ice habitats (Spettstoesser 2000). This is because only 3% - 9% are seen in pairs. However, it is thought that they may be more social than they appear because lone seals on ice are often associated with diving seals beneath the surface of the ice (King 1990).

Ross seals may establish territories underwater through vocalizations (Nowak, 1991). (Splettstoesser, et al., 2000)

Ross seals use vocalizations to communicate with other seals. (Nowak, 1991)

Squid beaks and fish remains have been found in the guts of Ross seals (Skinner 1984). Studies have shown the diet to consist of approximately 64% cephalopods, 22% fish, and 14% other invertebrates (Oritsland 1977). (Oritsland, 1977; Skinner, 1984)

Ross seals are thought to have no predators since typical seal predators, such as killer whales and leopard seals, are rarely found in habitats utilized by Ross seals (Skinner 1984). (Skinner, 1984)

The role of Ross seals in the ecosystem has not yet been determined, however, they are important predators on fish and cephalopods.

Aside from their role in healthy Antarctic ecosystems, there is no established positive economic importance for humans.

Habitat occupied by Ross seals is accessible only by ice breaker or aircraft, therefore they have little direct economic importance. Also, the remote location of their habitat makes them a poor potential tourist attraction.

Ross seals are thought to be the least abundant seal in Antarctica and recent estimates suggest that the population may be approximately 220,000. However, these estimates are little more than guesses since so much is still unknown about Ross seal distribution and behavioral patterns. Exploitation of this rare seal species is not likely due to the remoteness of its preferred habitat, yet Ross seals are protected under the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (King 1990).