Vagrant Subantarctic fur seal on the coast of Tanzania

Abstract

An immature Subantarctic fur seal was sighted on Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, in 2008. This is the most northerly record of a vagrant of this species. The nearest breeding colony is on the Prince Edward Islands, 4500 km distant. While it is likely that this is the natal site of the vagrant due to its proximity and population size, the actual location of origin is unknown. This is the second fur seal sighted in this area. A fur seal of unknown species was sighted on Pemba Island, 30 km north of the Unguja Island, in 2002. While the species of the latter animal could not be determined, it is likely also a Subantarctic fur seal.

African Zoology 45(1): 144–146 (April 2010)