Mammals

The Falkland Islands are home to the World’s largest pinniped (seals, sea lions and walruses) mammal, the elephant seal. Sea Lions and Fur seals are easily seen around the Islands; the Leopard Seal is an occasional visitor. Male elephant seals return early in the summer and are a spectacular sight when battling to establish territories at the start of the breeding season or even simply relaxing on the beach. Females arrive soon after with hairy, black pups born mainly during October. Seal pups are born December and Sea Lions December –January.

Fourteen species of cetaceans have been recorded in Falkland waters. Two species of dolphin, Peale’s and Commerson’s are frequently seen along the coast and following boats. Killer whales are also regularly observed, particularly near large seabird and seal colonies, their target prey. Other cetaceans are less common but include Fin, Sei, Minke, Sperm, Southern Bottlenose, Southern Right and Humpback whales. Sightings of whales usually occur in the summer months; whilst dolphins can be seen year-round, summer tends to be the peak time.

The only recorded native land mammal, the Warrah or Falkland Islands Fox, is now extinct though depicted for posterity on the Falklands fifty pence coin. Land mammals are more difficult to spot and tend to be regional. Weddell Island is now home to the Patagonian Grey Fox and Reindeer (transported from South Georgia); the European Rabbit inhabits some offshore islands; the guanaco (from Patagonia) is present on Staats Island; Brown Hares are often bold enough to be seen in various locations. Rats and mice are considered pests as they present a competitive threat to many native bird species. Step on to a rat-free island and notice the increased volume of the bird song. Rat eradication programmes are in place!

Recommended Reading suggests a number of wildlife books which include details of Falkland Island mammals.

Learn more about Southern sea lions from the Falklands Conservation webpage.