10 facts about elephant seals chimu adventures weblog

Elephant seals in Antarctica are a fantastic sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most unique and recognisable species. One among our favorite species is the Elephant Seal, here are some enjoyable info about these magnificent creatures and the atmosphere they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many alternative species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh around 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 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 giant teams or harems for a month throughout the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the biggest carnivores on the earth consuming squid and fish as the main sources of meals of their weight loss plan, and have been measured diving up to as much as 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 10 instances the load of reproductive females. Elephant seals may be found throughout the Antarctic area, however are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They had been hunted for his or her blubber through the sealing days. Only 2 – three % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to gentle the city a yr. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic range, so there are nonetheless concerns over the long run of those animals. Nonetheless, baby elephant stuffed animals from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated population of 150,000 which live primarily across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their predominant predator is the Orca, and in the northern most a part of their range.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have also been identified to assault and kill stray young. They're called elephant seals on account of plenty of reasons, partly due to their size and likewise 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 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. Usually they are not afraid of man, however if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a distinct proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Regardless of once being on the endangered record, because of the protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is no longer in any immediate hazard. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this collectively. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions 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 leading professional 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.