Talk:Eared seal

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[edit] Paraphyly of the Otariidae

A genetic analysis suggests that the Otariidae as traditionally composed is paraphyletic. This study means that the Otariidae should include only Eumetopias, Neophoca, Otaria, Phocarctos, and Zalophus, with the recognition of the Arctocephalinae as a valid family, Arctocephalidae.

Do you have a cite? Anaxial 20:41, 15 November 2007 (UTC)

I haven't heard of Arctocephalinae becoming it's own family. Brunner 2004 (see reference in article), who appears to have performed a very thorough analysis of the molecular data, recommends a removal of the subfamily divisions entirely and leaving the folowing genera: Otaria, Eumetopias, Neophoca, Phocarctos, Zalophus, Callorhinus and Arctocephalus. I believe these divisions are pretty much accepted now (see, e.g. ITIS). The taxonomy throughout the Wikipedia articles on pinnipeds should probably be updated to reflect this. Best, - Eliezg 00:50, 16 November 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Ownership

After a shake up of UK pet ownership laws (5th October 2007) you would require a licence to keep an Eared Seal as a pet. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 194.75.159.78 (talk) 09:05, 5 October 2007 (UTC)