Elephant seals in Antarctica are a improbable sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most distinctive and recognisable species. One of our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some fun info about these magnificent creatures and the surroundings they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many various species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh round 7 - 800 kg. An adult male Elephant seal can weigh up to five tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal infants when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Within 3 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 massive teams or harems for a month through the breeding season. Elephants seals are amongst the stuffed animal biggest carnivores in the world eating squid and fish as the primary sources of meals in their diet, and have been measured diving as much as up to 2000m deep and can 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 occasions the load of reproductive females. Elephant seals could be found throughout the Antarctic region, however are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They were hunted for his or her blubber during the sealing days. Only 2 - three % of male Elephant seals actually 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 issues over the future of those animals. However, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which dwell mainly across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their primary predator is the Orca, and within the northern most a part of their range.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been known to attack and kill stray young. They are referred to as elephant seals as a result of a variety of reasons, partly because of their measurement and also partly because of the male snout or trunk that inflates to impress and intimidate rivals when competing with other males for his harem. The depth and quantity 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, however keep your distance - despite their measurement they can transfer fast on land, and are extremely aggressive when defending their territory and younger. Generally they don't seem to be afraid of man, nevertheless if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be 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 no longer in any immediate danger. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this together. 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 final PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a leading expert on Elephant seals and their behaviour. Dr. Mikolaj is a native of Poland, and was base commander of the Polish base on the Antarctic Peninsula for several seasons.
