Elephant seals in Antarctica are a fantastic 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, listed here are some enjoyable information 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 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 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 feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are highly social animals and form massive groups or harems for a month throughout the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the biggest carnivores in the world consuming squid and fish as the primary sources of food of their weight loss program, 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 distinction between the male and female of a species. Males could also be up to 10 occasions the weight of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be discovered across the Antarctic region, however are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They have been hunted for their blubber during the sealing days. Solely 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to mild the town a yr. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic range, so there are nonetheless concerns over the future of those animals. However, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated population of 150,000 which stay primarily around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their essential predator is the Orca, and in the northern most part of their vary.. Massive sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been identified to assault and kill stray young. They are known as elephant seals as a result of a lot of reasons, partly due to 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 volume 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, but keep your distance - regardless of their measurement they will move quick on land, and are highly aggressive when protecting their territory and younger. Typically they don't seem to be afraid of man, however if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a distinct proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Despite as soon as being on the endangered checklist, as a result of 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 together. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities may in the future see some issues with their native habitat. Dr. Miko was a lecturer on-board our final elephant stuffed animal PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a number one expert on Elephant seals and their behaviour. Dr. Mikolaj is a native of Poland, and was base commander of the Polish base on the Antarctic Peninsula for several seasons.
