Leopard seals can be individually identified – primarily by the spots on their pelage (fur). However, some individuals also may have scars (see NZ001, “Owha”).
Identifying individuals allows researchers to track them as they move around New Zealand. To facilitate research and to increase public awareness, we have created an identification catalogue of the leopard seals we have sighted, known as the New Zealand Leopard Seal Catalogue (NZLSC).