Elephant seals in Antarctica are a fantastic sight to behold on any journey to Antarctica and one of many region’s most unique and recognisable species. Considered one of our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed below are some fun details about these magnificent creatures and the setting they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many various species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh round 7 - 800 kg. An grownup male Elephant seal can weigh up to five tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal babies when born weigh round 50 kilograms. Within three months they'll weigh 150kg! Pups are typically born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches across the continent. The gestation period for a female Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and form massive groups or harems for a month during the breeding season. Elephants seals are amongst the largest carnivores on the planet eating squid and fish as the principle sources of meals of 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 female of a species. Males may be up to ten occasions the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals could be discovered throughout the Antarctic area, however are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They were hunted for their blubber in the course of the sealing days. Only 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals actually breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to light the city a year. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic range, so there are still concerns over the long run of these animals. Nevertheless, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated population of 150,000 which live primarily around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their foremost predator is the Orca, and within the northern most part of their range.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have also been identified to assault and kill stray young. They are known as elephant seals on account of a number of causes, partly due to their measurement and also partly due to the male snout or trunk that inflates to impress and intimidate rivals when competing with other males for his harem. The depth and volume 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 stuffed animal elephant keep your distance - regardless of their size they'll move quick on land, and are highly aggressive when protecting their territory and young. Typically they are not afraid of man, nonetheless if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a distinct proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on your cruise. Despite as soon as being on the endangered record, due to the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is no longer in any quick danger. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this collectively. However, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions may 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 leading professional 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.
