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. Considered one of our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, here are some fun information about these magnificent creatures and the setting 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 5 tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal infants when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Inside three months they will weigh 150kg! Pups are usually 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 giant teams or harems for a month in the course of the breeding season. Elephants seals are amongst the biggest carnivores in the world eating squid and fish as the principle sources of meals in their food plan, and have been measured diving up to up to 2000m deep and may hold breath for up to two hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and feminine of a species. Males could also be up to ten times the weight of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be found throughout the Antarctic region, however are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They have been hunted for their blubber during the sealing days. Only 2 - 3 % of male elephant stuffed animal Elephant seals really breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to gentle the town 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 those animals. However, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which live primarily around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their main predator is the Orca, and within the northern most a part of their range.. Massive sharks. Leopard seals have also been recognized to attack and kill stray younger. They are referred to as elephant seals as a consequence of plenty of causes, partly because of their dimension and likewise partly due to 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 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, however keep your distance - regardless of their size they'll move quick on land, and are highly aggressive when defending their territory and younger. Typically they aren't afraid of man, nevertheless if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Regardless of as soon as being on the endangered list, because of the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is now not in any immediate hazard. Due to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this collectively. Nevertheless, 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 local of Poland, and was base commander of the Polish base on the Antarctic Peninsula for a number of seasons.
