Elephant seals in Antarctica are a implausible 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 here are some enjoyable info 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 across the continent. The gestation period for a female Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are highly social animals and kind large teams or harems for a month during the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the most important carnivores on this planet consuming squid and fish as the main sources of meals of their weight loss program, 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 difference between the male and female of a species. Males may be up to 10 occasions the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals will be discovered across the Antarctic area, however are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They have been hunted for his or her blubber throughout the sealing days. Solely 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to gentle town a yr. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic diversity, so there are nonetheless considerations over the longer term of those animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated population of 150,000 which dwell primarily around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their principal predator is the Orca, and within the northern most part of their vary.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been recognized to assault and kill stray younger. They are referred to as elephant seals on account of a variety of reasons, partly because of their size and likewise partly due to 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 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, but keep your distance - regardless of their dimension they'll transfer quick on land, and are extremely aggressive when defending their territory and young. Usually they aren't afraid of man, however if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a different proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Despite once being on the endangered record, due to the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any speedy danger. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this collectively. However, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human stuffed elephant for baby activities might 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 leading expert 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.
