Elephant seals in Antarctica are a incredible 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 here are some fun facts 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 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. Inside three months they will 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 female Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and kind large groups or harems for a month during the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the most important carnivores on the earth eating squid and fish as the primary sources of meals of their weight loss program, and have been measured diving up to up to 2000m deep and might hold breath for up to two hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical distinction between the male and female of a species. Males may be up to 10 occasions the weight of reproductive females. Elephant seals might be found throughout 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 – three % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to light the town a year. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic variety, so there are still considerations over the future of those animals. Nevertheless, from a small group of animals left, there at the moment are an estimated population of 150,000 which dwell primarily across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their most important predator is the Orca, and in the northern most part of their range.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been identified to attack and kill stray younger. They're known as elephant seals attributable to a variety of reasons, partly due to their size 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 volume 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, however keep your distance – regardless of their measurement they'll move quick on land, and are extremely aggressive when protecting their territory and young. Usually they are not afraid of man, however if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a different proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on your cruise. Regardless of once being on the endangered record, because of the protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is no longer in any speedy danger. Due to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this elephant stuffed animal together. Nevertheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions might 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 number one 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.
