Elephant seals in Antarctica are a incredible sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of the region’s most unique and recognisable species. One in every of our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some fun facts about these magnificent creatures and the atmosphere they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many different species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh round 7 - 800 kg. An adult male Elephant seal can weigh up to five tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh round 50 kilograms. Within three months they are going to weigh 150kg! Pups are usually born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches across the continent. The gestation period for a feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and form large groups or harems for a month throughout the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the biggest carnivores on the planet eating squid and fish as the main sources of food in their diet, and have been measured diving up to as much as 2000m deep and can hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a bodily difference between the male and feminine of a species. Males may be up to 10 times the load of reproductive females. Elephant seals could be discovered across the Antarctic area, however are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They have been hunted for their blubber during the sealing days. Solely 2 - three % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to mild the town a year. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic variety, so there are nonetheless considerations over the longer term of these animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated population of 150,000 which reside primarily across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their major predator is the Orca, and in the northern most part of their range.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been known to attack and kill stray younger. They are known as elephant seals resulting from quite a few reasons, partly because of their size and also partly because of 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. Benefit from the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, however keep your distance - despite their measurement they can transfer quick on land, and are extremely aggressive when defending their territory and young. Generally they j6fgargenbd1.bearsfanteamshop.com/10-info-about-elephant-seals-chimu-adventures-weblog are not afraid of man, however if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on your cruise. Regardless of as soon as being on the endangered checklist, as a result of safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any speedy hazard. Due to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this collectively. However, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions might sooner or later see some issues with their native habitat. Dr. Miko was a lecturer on-board our last PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a number one 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.
