Elephant seals in Antarctica are a improbable sight to behold on any journey to Antarctica and one of the region’s most distinctive and recognisable species. Certainly one of our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed below are some fun details 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 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 round 50 kilograms. Within 3 months they'll weigh 150kg! Pups are generally 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 form massive groups or harems for a month throughout the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the biggest carnivores on the earth 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 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 10 occasions the weight of reproductive females. Elephant 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 during the sealing days. Only 2 - three % of male Elephant seals actually 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 variety, so there are still issues over the future of these animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated population of 150,000 which reside mainly across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their predominant predator is the Orca, and within the northern most a part of their vary.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have also been identified to assault and kill stray younger. They are called elephant seals attributable to quite a lot of reasons, partly due to their dimension and also partly because of the male snout or trunk that inflates to impress and intimidate rivals when competing with other males for his harem. The depth and quantity of the sound is a demonstration to others how powerful 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, however keep your distance - regardless of their measurement they'll transfer fast on land, and are extremely aggressive when protecting their territory and younger. Typically they don't seem to be afraid of man, however if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a special proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Regardless of as soon as being on the endangered checklist, because of the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is now not in any instant danger. Due to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this collectively. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions may in the future see some issues with their native habitat. Dr. Miko was a lecturer on-board our last stuffed animal elephant PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a number one skilled 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.
