Elephant seals in Antarctica are a improbable sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of the region’s most unique 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 grownup male Elephant seal can weigh up to five tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Within 3 months they are going to 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 form large teams or harems for a month throughout the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the most important carnivores on the earth eating squid and fish as the primary sources of food of their eating regimen, and have been measured diving as much as up to 2000m deep and might hold breath for up to two hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and feminine of a species. Males may be up to ten instances the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be discovered across the Antarctic area, however are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They have been hunted for his or her blubber during the sealing days. Solely 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals really breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to gentle the city a year. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic range, so there are still considerations over the longer term of these animals. However, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which live primarily around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their principal predator is the Orca, and in the northern most part of their range.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been identified to assault and kill stray young. They are referred to as elephant seals as a result of plenty of reasons, partly due to their measurement and in addition 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 quantity of the sound is a demonstration to others how powerful 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 - regardless of their measurement they can move fast on land, and are extremely aggressive when defending their territory and young. Usually they aren't afraid of man, nonetheless if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Despite as soon as being on the endangered listing, because of the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is now not in any speedy danger. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this together. Nonetheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions could sooner or later see some points with their native habitat. Dr. Miko stuffed animal 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.
