Elephant seals in Antarctica are a implausible sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most unique and recognisable species. Certainly one of our favorite species is the Elephant Seal, here are some fun info about these magnificent creatures and the atmosphere 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 infants when born weigh round 50 kilograms. Within 3 months they are going to weigh 150kg! Pups are usually born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches around the continent. The gestation period for a feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and form massive groups or harems for a month during the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the biggest carnivores in the world consuming squid and fish as the primary sources of food in their weight-reduction 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 female of a species. Males may be up to ten occasions the load of reproductive females. Elephant seals could be found throughout the Antarctic area, 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 - three % of male Elephant seals actually breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to light town a year. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic range, so there are still issues 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 reside mainly across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their main predator is the Orca, and in the northern most part of their range.. Massive sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been known to assault and kill stray young. They are known as elephant seals because of a lot of reasons, partly because of 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 volume 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. Enjoy the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, but keep your distance - despite their size they can transfer quick on land, and are highly aggressive when defending their territory and younger. Typically they are not afraid of man, however if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on your cruise. Regardless of once being on the endangered list, because of the protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is now not in any instant hazard. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this together. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions 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 skilled on Elephant seals and baby elephant stuffed animals 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.
