Elephant seals in Antarctica are a unbelievable sight to behold on any trip to Antarctica and one of many region’s most unique and recognisable species. One in all our favourite species is the Elephant Seal, listed below 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 5 tonnes and measure up to six and a half metres! Elephant seal infants when born weigh around 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 around the continent. The gestation interval for a feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are highly social animals and form massive teams or harems for a month in the course of the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the biggest carnivores on the earth eating squid and fish as the main sources of meals in their weight loss program, and have been measured diving as much as as much as 2000m deep and might hold breath for up to two hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical difference between the male and feminine of a species. Males could also be up to ten occasions the load of reproductive females. Elephant seals could be discovered across the Antarctic region, but are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They had been hunted for his or her blubber through the sealing days. Only 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 diversity, so there are still considerations over the longer term of these animals. However, from a small group of animals left, there at the moment are an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which dwell primarily across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their primary predator is the Orca, and within the northern most a part of their vary.. Massive sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been identified to attack and kill stray younger. They're referred to as elephant seals as a consequence of a number of reasons, partly because of their size and likewise 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. Benefit from the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, but keep your distance - regardless of their dimension they can move quick on land, and are highly aggressive baby elephant stuffed animals when protecting their territory and young. Generally they aren't afraid of man, however if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they are often a unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter on 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 rapid danger. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to put this together. However, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities 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 several seasons.
