The South American fur seal inhabits the coasts of South America (both
Atlantic and Pacific side), from Peru and Brazil to Tierra del Fuego and
including the Falkland Islands.
There are two subspecies, based on size and range.
Arctocephalus australis gracilis, the more widespread of the
two, occurs throughout the entire range along the mainland. The smaller
subspecies, Arctocephalus australis
australis, inhabits the Falkland Islands. The separation in
sub species of the populations on the Atlantic coast and Pacific coast
is still in discussion. The total population including both sub species
is estimated between 350.000 - 400.000 individuals.