On the identity of the three young fur seals (genus Arctocephalus) stranded in New Caledonia (Mammalia, Pinnipedia)

In 1972 and 1973 a total of three young fur seals was stranded in New Caledonia, much further north than any fur seal normally occurs. Comparison of the skulls of these young animals with similar sized skulls of young fur seals from Australia (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) and New Zealand (Arctocephalus forsteri) shows that the New Caledonia strandings are Arctocephalus forsteri. Weather conditions suggest origin of the seals from Australian colonies of A. forsteri.