Elephant seals in Antarctica are a unbelievable sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most unique and recognisable species. Certainly one of our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed below are some fun information 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 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. Within 3 months they are going to weigh 150kg! Pups are generally 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 teams or harems for a month throughout the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the largest carnivores on the earth consuming squid and fish as the principle sources of meals of their diet, and have been measured diving up to as much as 2000m deep and might hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and feminine of a species. Males may be up to 10 occasions the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals may be discovered across the Antarctic area, but are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They have been hunted for their blubber through the sealing days. Only 2 - three % of male Elephant seals actually breed. London alone elephant stuffed animal used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to light town a 12 months. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic variety, so there are nonetheless considerations over the longer term of these animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which live mainly around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their predominant predator is the Orca, and within the northern most a part of their vary.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been identified to assault and kill stray young. They are referred to as elephant seals because of various causes, 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 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 dimension they can transfer quick on land, and are highly aggressive when defending their territory and young. Generally they don't seem to be afraid of man, however if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Regardless of as soon as being on the endangered checklist, as a result of protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is now not in any fast hazard. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this collectively. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions may 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 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 several seasons.
