Elephant seals in Antarctica are a fantastic sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most distinctive and recognisable species. One among our favorite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some fun info about these magnificent creatures and the environment they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many various species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh around 7 - 800 kg. An adult male Elephant seal can weigh up to 5 tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh round 50 kilograms. Within three months they'll 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 extremely social animals and kind large teams or harems for a month through the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the most important carnivores on the planet eating squid and fish as the principle sources of food in their eating regimen, and have been measured diving up to as much as 2000m deep and may hold breath for up to two hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and female of a species. Males could also be up to 10 instances the load of reproductive females. Elephant seals will be discovered throughout the Antarctic region, however are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They had been hunted for their 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 mild the city a 12 months. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic diversity, so there are still concerns over the future of these animals. Nevertheless, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated population of 150,000 which dwell mainly around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their major predator is the Orca, and within the northern most part of their range.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been known to attack and kill stray younger. They are known as elephant seals attributable to various causes, partly because of their measurement and in addition 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. Benefit from the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, but keep your distance - regardless of their size they'll move fast on land, and are highly aggressive when protecting their territory and young. Usually they aren't afraid of man, nonetheless if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a special proposition. stuffed elephants Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on your cruise. Despite as soon as being on the endangered checklist, as a result of protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is now not in any quick danger. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this collectively. Nonetheless, 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 last 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.
