Elephant seals in Antarctica are a implausible sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of the region’s most distinctive and recognisable species. Considered one of our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some fun facts 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 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 may weigh 150kg! Pups are usually born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches across the continent. The gestation period for a feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and type large groups or harems for a month during the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the biggest carnivores in the world consuming squid and fish as the principle sources of food of their weight loss plan, and have been measured diving as much as up to 2000m deep and can hold breath for up to two hours! Sexual elephant stuffed animal dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and feminine of a species. Males could also be up to ten instances the load of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be discovered throughout the Antarctic region, however are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They had been hunted for their 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 12 months. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic variety, so there are nonetheless issues over the longer term of those animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there are actually an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which reside primarily 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 attack and kill stray young. They are known as elephant seals as a consequence of numerous causes, partly because of their measurement 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 measurement they will transfer fast on land, and are extremely aggressive when protecting their territory and young. Generally they don't seem to be afraid of man, nonetheless if disturbed whereas resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a different proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on your cruise. Despite once being on the endangered listing, due to the protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is no longer in any rapid danger. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this collectively. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities may in the future 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 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.
