Elephant seals in Antarctica are a implausible sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of the region’s most unique and recognisable species. Certainly one of our favorite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some enjoyable information about these magnificent creatures and the setting 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 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 three months they will weigh 150kg! Pups are usually born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches around the continent. The gestation interval for a female Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are highly social animals and kind giant groups or harems for a month through the breeding season. Elephants seals are amongst the largest carnivores on the earth consuming squid and fish as the main sources of food in their food plan, and have been measured diving up to up to 2000m deep and can hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical difference between the male and female of a species. Males could also be up to ten times the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be discovered throughout the Antarctic area, but are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They have been hunted for their blubber in the course of the sealing days. Only 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to light the town a year. These stuffed elephant toy animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic diversity, so there are nonetheless concerns over the long run of these animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which reside primarily across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their fundamental predator is the Orca, and within the northern most a part of their range.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been identified to attack and kill stray young. They're referred to as elephant seals as a result of various causes, 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 volume 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, but keep your distance - regardless of their dimension they'll transfer quick on land, and are extremely aggressive when protecting their territory and young. Usually they aren't afraid of man, nonetheless 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. Despite once being on the endangered list, as a result of safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any immediate danger. Due to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this together. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities could in the future see some issues with their native habitat. Dr. Miko 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 native of Poland, and was base commander of the Polish base on the Antarctic Peninsula for several seasons.
