Elephant seals in Antarctica are a improbable sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most unique and recognisable species. Considered one of our favorite species is the Elephant Seal, here are some enjoyable details 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 grownup male Elephant seal can weigh up to five tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal infants when born weigh round 50 kilograms. Inside 3 months they will weigh 150kg! Pups are generally born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches across the continent. The white elephant stuffed animals gestation period for a feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and form giant teams or harems for a month throughout the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the most important carnivores on this planet consuming squid and fish as the principle sources of food in their food plan, and have been measured diving as much as as much as 2000m deep and might hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a bodily distinction between the male and feminine of a species. Males may be up to 10 instances the load of reproductive females. Elephant seals could be found across the Antarctic area, however are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They have been hunted for his or her blubber through the sealing days. Only 2 - three % of male Elephant seals actually 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 diversity, so there are still considerations over the future of those animals. However, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated population of 150,000 which stay primarily around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their main predator is the Orca, and in the northern most part of their vary.. Large sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been identified to assault and kill stray younger. They are referred to as elephant seals on account of a number of reasons, partly because of their dimension and likewise partly because of 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 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 - despite their measurement they will transfer quick on land, and are highly aggressive when protecting their territory and young. Generally they are not afraid of man, nevertheless if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Despite as soon as being on the endangered list, because of the protection of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is no longer in any quick danger. Due to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to 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 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 several seasons.
