Elephant seals in Antarctica are a improbable sight to behold on any journey to Antarctica and one of many region’s most unique and recognisable species. Certainly one of our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some fun facts about these magnificent creatures and the environment they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many different 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 three months they are going to weigh 150kg! Pups are usually born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches across the continent. The gestation interval for a female Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and type giant teams or harems for a month during the breeding season. Elephants seals are amongst the most important stuffed elephants carnivores on this planet eating squid and fish as the main sources of meals of their diet, and have been measured diving as much as up to 2000m deep and can hold breath for up to two hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical difference between the male and female of a species. Males could also be up to 10 instances the weight of reproductive females. Elephant seals might be found across the Antarctic area, however are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They had been hunted for his or her blubber during the sealing days. Only 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals really breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to gentle the city a year. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic diversity, so there are still concerns over the future of these animals. However, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated population of 150,000 which live mainly across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their fundamental predator is the Orca, and in the northern most part of their range.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have also been known to assault and kill stray younger. They're referred to as elephant seals as a result of numerous reasons, partly due to their dimension and in addition 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 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, but keep your distance - despite their measurement they'll move quick on land, and are highly aggressive when protecting 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 unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Despite once being on the endangered list, as a result of protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is not in any speedy hazard. Due to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this collectively. However, 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 leading 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 several seasons.
