![Leopardseals.org Leopardseals.org logo](https://www.leopardseals.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/leopard-seals-org-logo-300-pfcq8qtniw95jhdpdzoks4js91yjsfakwc9b1rthto.png)
Male or Female?
HOW TO IDENTIFY MALE AND FEMALE LEOPARD SEALS
Male and female pinnipeds are often sexually dimorphic (the two sexes look different). Leopard seal females (♀), when fully grown can be substantially larger than males (♂).
![length & weight length & weight](https://www.leopardseals.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/Slide11-pfcq8qts15ojqjispit5ez9ns4ud6lbn329fn7fh5g.jpg)
Regardless of the size or age of a leopard seal, a clear view (or photograph) of the ventral surface allows the sexes to be differentiated. Both sexes have a scar from the umbilical attachment (belly-button). The males (♂) have a penile opening approximately half way between the umbilcal scar and the hind flippers, whilst the females (♀) have two small mammary glands which are often visible.
![Comparison of male and female leopard seals location of penile opening and mammary glands in male and female leopard seals](https://www.leopardseals.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/2018-LEOPARD-SEALS-NZ-pfcq8pvxubn9exk5v0eiuhi76qyzyw7wqxly5xgvbo.jpg)
HAVE YOU SEEN A LEOPARD SEAL?
Click here to report your sighting so we can continue to track the behaviour and movements of leopard seals in New Zealand.