Elephant seals in Antarctica are a improbable sight to behold on any journey to Antarctica and one of the region’s most unique and recognisable species. One among our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some enjoyable information 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 5 tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal infants when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Inside three 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 feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are highly social animals and type large groups or harems for a month in the course of the breeding season. Elephants seals are amongst the biggest carnivores on the earth eating squid and fish as the primary sources of meals in their weight-reduction plan, and have been measured diving as much as up to 2000m deep and may hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a bodily distinction between the male and feminine of a species. Males could also be up to 10 instances the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals might be found across the Antarctic area, but are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They were hunted for their blubber during the sealing days. Only 2 - three % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to mild the town a year. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic variety, so there are nonetheless issues over the long run of these animals. However, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which reside primarily around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their essential predator is the Orca, and within the northern most a part of their range.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been identified to assault and kill stray younger. They are referred to as elephant seals on account of a variety of causes, partly because of their dimension and also partly due to 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, however keep your distance - regardless of their measurement they can transfer fast on land, and are highly aggressive when protecting their territory and young. Usually they don't seem to be afraid of man, nonetheless if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a different proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Despite as soon as being on the endangered list, as a result of protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is no longer in any immediate hazard. Due to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this white elephant stuffed animals together. However, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities might sooner or later 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 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 a number of seasons.
