Elephant seals in Antarctica are a improbable sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most distinctive and recognisable species. One in every of our favorite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some enjoyable information about these magnificent creatures and the atmosphere they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many alternative species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh around 7 - 800 kg. An grownup male Elephant seal can weigh up to 5 tonnes and measure as much as six and a half elephant stuffed animal metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Within three months they will weigh 150kg! Pups are typically born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches across the continent. The gestation interval for a female Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and form giant groups or harems for a month throughout the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the most important carnivores on this planet eating squid and fish as the primary sources of meals of their eating regimen, and have been measured diving as much as as much as 2000m deep and might hold breath for up to two hours! Sexual dimorphism is a bodily difference between the male and female of a species. Males may be up to 10 instances the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be found throughout the Antarctic area, however are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They were hunted for his or her blubber through the sealing days. Solely 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to gentle the town a yr. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic diversity, so there are still considerations over the future of these animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there at the moment are an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which dwell mainly across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their predominant predator is the Orca, and within the northern most a part of their vary.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have also been recognized to assault and kill stray young. They're referred to as elephant seals resulting from a variety of causes, partly because of their measurement and also partly due to the male snout or trunk that inflates to impress and intimidate rivals when competing with different males for his harem. The depth and quantity of the sound is a demonstration to others how powerful he's, and thus so avoids fights with competing males. The trunk is inflated with air which is inhaled and thus a loud bellowing sound is produced. Benefit from the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, however keep your distance - regardless of their measurement they can transfer quick on land, and are highly aggressive when defending their territory and young. Typically they don't seem to be afraid of man, nevertheless if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a different proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Despite once being on the endangered record, due to the protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any quick danger. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this together. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities might in the future see some points with their native habitat. Dr. Miko was a lecturer on-board our final PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a leading professional on Elephant seals and their behaviour. Dr. Mikolaj is a native of Poland, and was base commander of the Polish base on the Antarctic Peninsula for a number of seasons.
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