Elephant seals in Antarctica are a incredible 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, listed below are some fun information about these magnificent creatures and the environment they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many various species stuffed elephant for baby of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh around 7 - 800 kg. An adult male Elephant seal can weigh up to 5 tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Within 3 months they'll 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 large groups or harems for a month through the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the largest carnivores on this planet consuming squid and fish as the principle sources of meals in their weight-reduction plan, and have been measured diving up to up to 2000m deep and may hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and female of a species. Males could also be up to 10 times the weight of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be found across the Antarctic area, but are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They had been hunted for their blubber in the course of 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 town a 12 months. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic variety, so there are still issues over the long run of these animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated population of 150,000 which reside primarily across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their principal predator is the Orca, and within the northern most a part of their range.. Massive sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been recognized to assault and kill stray younger. They are referred to as elephant seals as a consequence of numerous reasons, partly because of their dimension 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 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. Benefit from the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, however keep your distance - regardless of their measurement they can transfer quick on land, and are extremely aggressive when defending their territory and younger. Usually they aren't afraid of man, however if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a different proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Regardless of as soon as being on the endangered record, as a result of protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is now not in any immediate hazard. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this together. Nonetheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities might in the future see some points with their native habitat. Dr. Miko was a lecturer on-board our last PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a number one skilled 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.
