Elephant seals in Antarctica are a incredible sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of the region’s most distinctive and recognisable species. One in all our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some fun information about these magnificent creatures and the environment 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 adult male Elephant seal can weigh up to five tonnes and measure up to six and a half metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh round 50 kilograms. Within 3 months they'll weigh 150kg! Pups are typically born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches around the continent. The gestation interval for a female Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are highly social animals and type giant groups or harems for a month in the course of the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the biggest carnivores on the earth eating squid and fish as the primary sources of meals in their food regimen, and have been measured diving as much as up to 2000m deep and can hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical difference between the male and female of a species. Males could also be up to 10 occasions the weight of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be found throughout the Antarctic region, but are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They were hunted for their blubber through the sealing days. Only 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals truly 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 range, so there are still concerns over the longer term of those animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there at the moment are an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which live primarily around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their primary predator is the Orca, and in the northern most part of their range.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been known to attack and kill stray young. They're known as elephant seals as a result of various 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 other 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 dimension they can transfer fast on land, and are highly aggressive when defending their territory and younger. Typically they don't seem to be afraid of man, nonetheless if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a distinct proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Regardless of as soon as being on the endangered list, as a result of safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is no longer in any immediate danger. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this together. However, over-fishing stuffed animal of Antarctic waters and human activities may 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 knowledgeable 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 a number of seasons.
