Māpua has had a formidable hunter lazing around the wharf that usually hangs out in the much cooler waters of the Antarctic and Subantarctic Islands.
The 2.5m long leopard seal appeared last week and Department of Conservation’s biodiversity ranger, Dirk de Vries, says it is in good condition and appeared to be enjoying its rest on the lower part of the wharf. While they are not regular visitors to the area, he says there have been about half a dozen sightings recorded in the past 15 years or so.
“While the leopard seal is here, it’s really important people give it plenty of space, at least 20 metres, and keep any dogs in the area on leads.”
He says leopard seals, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act. As with less common pinnipeds, he says DOC wants to better understand their movements and any sightings can be reported via 0800 DOC HOT. Photos and videos are helpful if it is safe to take them.
