Elephant seals in Antarctica are a fantastic sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most distinctive and recognisable species. One among our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some fun facts about these magnificent creatures and the setting they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many various species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh round 7 - 800 kg. An grownup male Elephant seal can weigh up to five tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal infants when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Inside 3 months they are going to weigh 150kg! Pups are typically born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches across the continent. The gestation period for a female Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are highly social animals and form massive groups or harems for a month during the breeding season. Elephants seals are amongst the biggest carnivores on the planet eating squid and fish as the primary sources of meals in their food regimen, and have been measured diving up to up to 2000m deep and can hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a bodily difference between the male and female of a species. Males could also be up to 10 instances the burden of reproductive females. Elephant baby elephant stuffed animals seals may be found across the Antarctic area, however are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They have been hunted for their 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 diversity, so there are still concerns over the long run of these animals. Nevertheless, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated population of 150,000 which stay primarily across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their primary predator is the Orca, and within the northern most part of their range.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been recognized to attack and kill stray younger. They're called elephant seals on account of quite a lot of reasons, partly due to their dimension and in addition 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 highly effective 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. Enjoy the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, but keep your distance - regardless of their dimension they can move fast on land, and are extremely aggressive when defending their territory and younger. Generally they don't seem to be afraid of man, nonetheless if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a distinct proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on your cruise. Despite as soon as being on the endangered list, because of the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is now not in any instant danger. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this together. However, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions may sooner or later 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 number one expert on Elephant seals and their behaviour. Dr. Mikolaj is a local of Poland, and was base commander of the Polish base on the Antarctic Peninsula for several seasons.
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