Pagophilus groenlandicus, commonly known as the harp seal, is a marine mammal that belongs to the Phocidae family. It is widely distributed in the cold Northern hemisphere, specifically found in the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. This species is known for its distinct appearance and behavioral characteristics.
Adult harp seals are medium-sized, growing up to 1.8 to 2.0 meters in length and weighing around 130 to 180 kilograms. They possess a sleek body with a bluish-gray coloration, and their most distinctive feature is the harp-shaped pattern on their back, which gives them their common name. These markings fade as the seals mature. Additionally, their fur coat is usually light yellow or silver in color.
Harp seals are highly adapted to their icy habitat. They have strong front flippers, with which they can propel themselves efficiently through the water. These seals are mainly carnivorous, feeding on a diet consisting primarily of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They have a diversified hunting technique, diving to great depths and holding their breath for extended periods while searching for prey.
Reproduction in harp seals is unique, as they bear their young on sea ice. Females give birth to a single pup each year, which they nurse for about two weeks before abandoning them to forage for food. Juvenile harp seals have a soft, white coat known as "whitecoats," which later moult into a silvery-grey or darker blue-gray coloration.
Harp seals play a vital role in the Arctic ecosystem, serving as both predator and prey. They are also hunted for their fur, meat, and oil by indigenous communities and in commercial industries. This species has a stable population, but habitat loss, climate
