Elephant seals in Antarctica are a improbable sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most distinctive and recognisable species. One of our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, here are some fun facts about these magnificent creatures and the surroundings they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many alternative 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 as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal infants when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Within three months they'll weigh 150kg! Pups are generally born from September to October when their mothers come ashore just6fstorecr0.skyrock.com/3350978484-10-Details-About-Elephant-Seals-Chimu-Adventures-Blog.html at their berthing beaches across the continent. The gestation interval for a feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and kind massive teams or harems for a month during the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the biggest carnivores on the planet consuming squid and fish as the principle 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 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and female of a species. Males may be up to ten occasions the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals may be discovered across the Antarctic region, but are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They had been hunted for his or her blubber in the course of 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 issues over the long run of these animals. Nevertheless, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which live primarily across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their essential predator is the Orca, and within the northern most part of their vary.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been recognized to attack and kill stray young. They're referred to as elephant seals as a consequence of plenty of reasons, partly because of their size and in addition 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 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 - regardless of their dimension they'll transfer quick on land, and are extremely aggressive when defending their territory and young. Typically they are not afraid of man, nevertheless if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Despite as soon as being on the endangered record, as a result of safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any speedy danger. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this collectively. However, 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 final PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a number one 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.
