Seal
Japanese Name:
アザラシ
Romaji Name:
azarashi
Description
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An "azarashi" , known in English as a seal, is a marine mammal that belongs to the family Phocidae. These animals are often recognized for their round, plump bodies, short legs, and smooth skin. Seals are commonly found in cold waters but can also live in temperate and tropical regions.
History
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Seals are marine mammals that have lived in Earth’s oceans for millions of years.
They belong to a group called pinnipeds, which also includes sea lions and walruses.
Ancient humans hunted seals for meat, oil, and fur in Arctic and coastal regions.
Seals appear in the myths and art of many Indigenous cultures, especially in the Arctic.
Commercial seal hunting expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries, causing population declines.
Modern conservation laws and awareness have helped protect many seal species.
Today, seals are studied by marine biologists and are often seen in aquariums and documentaries.