DNA tests to confirm birth of Farne Island twin seals

DNA samples have been taken from a pair of seals thought to be the first twins born on the Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast.

The grey seal pups were spotted in October by National Trust ranger David Steel, who had been monitoring a pregnant seal.

Multiple births in grey seals are rare and no records existed of any having been born on the islands before.

DNA samples have now been taken by the Sea Mammal Research Unit.

Mr Steel said: "Both are doing well and are close to independence.

'Huge success'

"With the help of the Sea Mammal Research Unit, a DNA sample has been taken from both pups so we can prove without doubt that we do have a pair of grey seal twins - the first ever wild documented occurrence.

Grey seals are Britain's largest living carnivore

Britain has 36% of the world population of grey seals around its shores

Pups weigh 14kg (30.8lb) at birth but quickly gain the blubber they need because their mother's milk contains 60% fat

Both pups were male.

Continued:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-20578495

Experts' joy at birth of first Farne Island twin seals

Wildlife experts believe the first ever twin seals have been born on the Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast.

The grey seal pups were spotted by National Trust ranger David Steel, who had been monitoring a pregnant seal.

Multiple births in grey seals are "extremely rare" and no records exist of any having been born on the islands.

The Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews in Scotland has asked for DNA tests to verify the pups have come from the same mother.

Mr Steel, who has worked with the seal colony for 12 years, said: "Over the weekend, a lone heavily pregnant cow seal was discovered on the secluded south beach.

"By Monday, the female, still on the secluded beach, and still by herself, had given birth, but to our surprise, not to one pup but possibly to two.

'Biologically possible'

"On the small rocky beach, two pups were together, wet and bloody, with the mother in attendance.

Continued:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-20083254