The Ross seal (Ommatophoca rossii) is a true seal (family Phocidae) with a range confined entirely to the pack ice of Antarctica. It is the only species of the genus Ommatophoca. First described during the Ross expedition in 1841, it is the smallest, least abundant and least well known of the Antarctic pinnipeds.

A fossil seal jaw from the Early Pleistocene (Wanganui Series; Hautawan Stage) of Napier, New Zealand, is identified as that of an Ommatophoca rossi juvenile of less than 1.8 m body length.

Ross Seals are named for Commander James Clark Ross of the H.M.S. Erebus, a British exploration ship that entered the Ross Sea during a period of Antarctic exploration from 1839 to 1843. 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.

The Ross seal (Ommatophoca rossii ) is a true seal (family Phocidae) with a range confined entirely to the pack ice of Antarctica. It is the only species of the genus Ommatophoca. First described during the Ross expedition in 1841, it is the smallest, least abundant and least well known of the Antarctic pinnipeds.

The Ross Seal (Ommatophoca rossii) is a remarkable mammal, uniquely adapted to the extremes of the Antarctic environment. With its distinctive appearance and intriguing behavior, this seal offers a fascinating glimpse into the resilience of life in one of the planet’s harshest climates.

Sep 9, 2024 · The Ross seal (Ommatophoca rossii) is a true seal (family Phocidae) with a range confined entirely to the pack ice of Antarctica. It is the only species of the genus Ommatophoca.

Ross seal, (Ommatophoca rossi), Antarctic seal of the family Phocidae. It has a short face, very large eyes, and coarse fur that is greenish gray above with yellowish stripes on the sides and paler below. Length in both sexes is to about 2.3 metres …

The Ross Seal, a small and elusive Antarctic true seal, constitutes an estimated 1% of the total seal population inhabiting the Antarctic pack ice. The Ross Seal (Ommatophoca rossii) is a rare and unique species of seal that inhabits the icy waters surrounding Antarctica.

The Ross seal is the rarest of the four seal species breeding on the Antarctic pack ice, and one population estimate has been made of about 220,000. The greatest abundance of Ross seals...

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.