Elephant seals in Antarctica are a fantastic sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most unique and recognisable species. One in all our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed below are some fun 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 round 7 - 800 kg. An adult male Elephant seal can weigh up to 5 tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal infants when born weigh round 50 kilograms. Within 3 months they may weigh 150kg! Pups are typically born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches around the continent. The gestation interval for a feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and form massive groups or harems for a month during the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the largest carnivores in the world consuming squid and fish as the main sources of meals of their weight loss program, and have been measured diving up to up to 2000m white elephant stuffed animals deep and may hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical difference between the male and feminine of a species. Males could also be up to ten instances the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals may be found across the Antarctic region, however are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They were hunted for his or her blubber throughout the sealing days. Solely 2 - three % of male Elephant seals really breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to light the town a year. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic range, so there are still considerations over the future of these animals. However, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated population of 150,000 which dwell primarily around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their predominant predator is the Orca, and within the northern most part of their vary.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have also been recognized to assault and kill stray younger. They're called elephant seals on account of numerous reasons, partly due to their size 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 is, 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. Enjoy the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, however keep your distance - despite their size they can move fast on land, and are highly aggressive when protecting their territory and younger. Typically they aren't afraid of man, nonetheless 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 as soon as being on the endangered listing, because of the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any rapid danger. Due to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this together. However, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities could sooner or later see some points with their native habitat. Dr. Miko was a lecturer on-board our last PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a number one skilled 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 several seasons.
