Foca

Foca, commonly translated as seal in Portuguese and Spanish, refers to a group of aquatic mammals adapted to life in the sea. In strict taxonomy, true seals belong to the family Phocidae, a lineage of pinnipeds separate from the fur seals and sea lions (Otariidae). They are found in temperate and polar oceans around the world, with several species occupying coastal waters, ice floes, and continental shelves.

Seals have a streamlined, fusiform body, a thick layer of blubber, and paddle-like flippers. True seals lack external ear flaps and rely on their hind flippers for propulsion in the water. On land or ice, they move by wriggling or pulling themselves forward, a gait that is less agile than that of otariids. Their senses, including acute vision and sensitive whiskers, aid in detecting prey underwater.

Diet consists mainly of fish, squid, and crustaceans, and hunting is typically accomplished by short, deep dives. Seals are often solitary hunters, though they may haul out in large colonies for resting, molt, or breeding. Reproduction varies by species; many give birth to a single pup on land or ice, with a period of maternal lactation that enables rapid pup growth. Some species exhibit delayed implantation of the embryo, and breeding seasons are often synchronized with seasonal environmental conditions.

Conservation status among seals varies by species. Threats include habitat disturbance, climate change reducing ice and haul-out sites, bycatch in fisheries, hunting, and marine pollution. International agreements and national protections aim to mitigate declines and support sustainable populations, though outcomes depend on regional ecological and human pressures.