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. Considered one of our favorite species is the Elephant Seal, here are some enjoyable facts about these magnificent creatures and the setting they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many various species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh round 7 – 800 kg. An grownup male Elephant seal can weigh up to 5 tonnes and measure up to six and a half metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh around 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 around the continent. The gestation interval for a female Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are highly social animals and type giant groups or harems for a month through the breeding season. Elephants seals are amongst the biggest carnivores on this planet eating squid and fish as the main sources of meals of their eating regimen, and have been measured diving up to as much as 2000m deep and can 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 ten instances the load of reproductive females. Elephant seals might be found across the Antarctic area, however are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They had been hunted for his or her blubber during the sealing days. Only 2 – 3 % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to gentle the city a 12 months. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic diversity, so there are still issues over the long run of those animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated population of 150,000 which live mainly around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their primary predator is the Orca, and in the northern most part of their range.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have also been identified to assault and kill stray young. They are referred to as elephant seals because of a variety of reasons, partly due to their measurement and likewise partly because of the male just6fdesignroomforloverblog8417.yousher.com/10-information-about-elephant-seals-chimu-adventures-blog 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 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, however keep your distance – despite their measurement they'll transfer quick on land, and are highly aggressive when defending their territory and younger. Typically they are not afraid of man, nonetheless if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Despite once being on the endangered listing, as a result of safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any instant hazard. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this collectively. Nonetheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities could sooner or later see some points with their native habitat. Dr. Miko was a lecturer on-board our final PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a number one professional 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 a number of seasons.
