Elephant seals in Antarctica are a unbelievable sight to behold on any journey to Antarctica and one of the region’s most distinctive and recognisable species. One in all our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed below are some enjoyable information about these magnificent creatures and the setting they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many different 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 up to six and a half metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Inside 3 months they will 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 type large groups or harems for a month throughout the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the largest carnivores on the planet consuming squid and fish as the primary sources of food of their weight-reduction plan, and have been measured diving as much as up to 2000m deep and can hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and feminine of a species. Males may be up to ten occasions the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals may 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 throughout the sealing days. Solely 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to light the city a yr. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic variety, so there are still considerations over the long run of these animals. However, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated population of 150,000 which reside mainly across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their foremost predator is the Orca, and in the northern most a part of their vary.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have also been recognized to assault and kill stray younger. They're called elephant seals on account of a variety of reasons, partly due to their measurement and also 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 volume of the sound is a demonstration to others how highly effective he's, 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 - despite their measurement they'll transfer quick on land, and are highly aggressive when protecting their territory and young. Generally they aren't afraid of man, however if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a different proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on https://penzu.com/p/5e6802f7 your cruise. Regardless of once being on the endangered record, as a result of safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any quick danger. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this together. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human 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 number one knowledgeable 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 several seasons.
