Elephant seals in Antarctica are a implausible sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of the region’s most unique and recognisable species. One of our favorite species is the Elephant Seal, here are some enjoyable information about these magnificent creatures and the surroundings they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many various species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh around 7 - 800 kg. An adult male Elephant seal can weigh up to five tonnes and measure up to six and a half metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Inside three months they'll weigh 150kg! Pups are typically born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches around the continent. The gestation period for a feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and kind giant teams or harems for a month in the course of the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the biggest carnivores on the planet consuming squid and fish as the main sources of meals of their diet, and have been measured diving as much as up to 2000m deep and might hold breath for up to two hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and feminine of a species. Males could also be up to ten times the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be found across the Antarctic area, but are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They were hunted for their blubber throughout the sealing days. Solely 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals really breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to light the town a 12 months. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic range, so there are still concerns over the long run of these animals. However, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated population of 150,000 which dwell mainly just6f.com/elephant-stuffed-animal/ across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their major predator is the Orca, and within the northern most a part of their vary.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been identified to attack and kill stray younger. They are called elephant seals because of numerous reasons, partly because of their measurement and likewise 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 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. Benefit from the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, but keep your distance - despite their dimension they will transfer fast on land, and are extremely aggressive when defending their territory and younger. Typically they are not afraid of man, nonetheless if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a different proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Regardless of as soon as being on the endangered list, because of the protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is no longer in any speedy hazard. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this together. Nonetheless, 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 final PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a leading professional 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 a number of seasons.
