Phocarctos
Phocarctos is an extinct genus of marine mammal that belonged to the family Otariidae, commonly known as eared seals. The only species in the genus, Phocarctos hookeri, is more commonly known as the New Zealand sea lion or the Hooker’s sea lion. This species was endemic to New Zealand and was sadly driven to extinction in the 19th century, primarily due to hunting by humans.
Common Names
While the scientific name for the genus is Phocarctos, this species is commonly known as the New Zealand sea lion or Hooker's sea lion, named after the English naturalist Joseph Dalton Hooker, who first described the species in 1847.
Characteristics
Phocarctos hookeri was the largest member of the Otariidae family, reaching lengths of up to 3.5 meters and weighing up to 400 kg. They possessed distinct physical characteristics:
- Large size: As mentioned earlier, they were the largest eared seals, with males considerably larger than females.
- Prominent mane: Adult males had a distinct mane of long, thick hair around their necks.
- Dark coloration: Their fur was typically a dark grey to black, with lighter patches on the belly.
- Powerful flippers: They had robust flippers for efficient swimming and maneuvering in the water.
Environment
Phocarctos hookeri was a coastal species, preferring rocky shores and islands around the coasts of New Zealand. They were skilled swimmers and foraged in the surrounding waters for food, primarily fish, squid, and other marine invertebrates.
References
For further information about Phocarctos hookeri, please consult these reliable sources: