Elephant seals in Antarctica are a unbelievable sight to behold on any journey to Antarctica and one of many region’s most unique and recognisable species. One in every of our favorite species is the Elephant Seal, here are some enjoyable info about these magnificent creatures and the environment 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 5 tonnes and measure up to six and a half metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Within 3 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 period for a feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are highly social animals and kind massive groups or harems for a month during the breeding season. Elephants seals are amongst the largest carnivores on this planet eating squid and fish as the main sources of meals in their eating regimen, 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 bodily difference between the male and female of a species. Males may be up to 10 instances the weight of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be discovered across the Antarctic region, but are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They had been hunted for their blubber in the course of the sealing days. Solely 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals really breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to light town a 12 months. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic range, so there are nonetheless concerns over the long run of these animals. Nevertheless, from a small group of animals left, there at the moment are an estimated population of 150,000 which reside mainly around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their main predator is the Orca, and within the northern most part of their range.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have also been recognized to assault and kill stray young. They're referred to as elephant seals resulting from quite a lot of 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 highly effective he is, and thus so avoids white elephant stuffed animals 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 - regardless of their size they will move quick on land, and are highly aggressive when protecting their territory and young. Generally they are not afraid of man, however if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a different proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on your cruise. Regardless of as soon as being on the endangered listing, because of the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any speedy hazard. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this together. Nonetheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities 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 several seasons.
