Elephant seals in Antarctica are a improbable sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of the region’s most distinctive and recognisable species. One among our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, here are some enjoyable information about these magnificent creatures and the atmosphere 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'll weigh 150kg! Pups are usually born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing elephant stuffed animal beaches across 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 most important carnivores on the planet consuming squid and fish as the primary sources of food of their diet, 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 feminine of a species. Males may be up to 10 times the load of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be discovered across the Antarctic region, but are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They had been hunted for his or her blubber during the sealing days. Solely 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals really breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to light the town a yr. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic range, so there are nonetheless concerns over the long run of these animals. Nevertheless, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which dwell primarily across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their essential predator is the Orca, and in the northern most a part of their vary.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have also been recognized to attack and kill stray young. They are called elephant seals on account of a variety of reasons, partly because of their dimension and in addition 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 powerful 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. Benefit from the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, but keep your distance - regardless of their size they'll transfer fast on land, and are highly aggressive when protecting their territory and younger. Generally they don't seem to be afraid of man, nevertheless if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a special proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on your cruise. Regardless of as soon as being on the endangered listing, due to the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any speedy hazard. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this together. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities could sooner or later see some issues 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 local of Poland, and was base commander of the Polish base on the Antarctic Peninsula for several seasons.
