Elephant seals in Antarctica are a unbelievable sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most unique and recognisable species. One in every of our favorite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some enjoyable information 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 up to six and a half metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh round 50 kilograms. Inside 3 months they'll weigh 150kg! Pups are usually born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches across the continent. The gestation interval for a female Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and form large groups or harems for a month throughout the breeding season. Elephants seals are amongst the most important carnivores on this planet consuming squid and fish as the principle sources of food in their food regimen, and have been measured diving as much as up to 2000m deep and can hold breath for up to two hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and female of a species. Males may be up to ten instances the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals will be discovered throughout the Antarctic area, but are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They had been hunted for their blubber through the sealing days. Only 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to gentle town a year. 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 now an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which stay primarily around 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 additionally been recognized to assault and kill stray young. They are called elephant seals due to quite a few reasons, partly due to their measurement 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. Enjoy the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, however keep your distance - regardless of their dimension they can move quick on land, and are extremely aggressive when defending their territory and younger. Generally they are not afraid of man, however if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on your cruise. Despite once being on the endangered record, because of the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any immediate danger. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this collectively. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions may sooner or later see some issues with their native habitat. Dr. Miko stuffed animal elephant was a lecturer on-board our last PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a leading 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 a number of seasons.
