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 favorite species is the Elephant Seal, listed here are some fun facts about these magnificent creatures and the setting they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many different species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh around 7 - 800 kg. An grownup male Elephant seal can weigh up to 5 tonnes and measure as much as six and a half metres! Elephant seal infants when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Within 3 months they'll 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 female Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and form massive teams or harems for a month throughout the breeding season. Elephants seals are among the biggest carnivores on this planet consuming squid and fish as the primary sources of meals of their diet, and have been measured diving as much as up to 2000m deep and can hold breath for up to 2 hours! Sexual dimorphism is a bodily distinction between the male and female of a species. Males could also be up to 10 occasions the burden of reproductive females. Elephant seals will be found across the Antarctic area, but are most prevalent around the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They were hunted for their blubber through 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 variety, so there are still considerations over the future of these animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which reside primarily around the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their fundamental predator is the Orca, and within the northern most part of their vary.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have also been identified to attack and kill stray younger. They are called elephant seals because of plenty of causes, partly because of their dimension and also 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 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. Enjoy the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, however keep your distance - regardless of their dimension they will transfer quick on land, and are extremely aggressive when defending their territory and young. Generally they don't seem to be afraid of man, nonetheless 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. Regardless of as soon as being on the endangered listing, due to the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is now not in any quick hazard. Because of Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for serving to white elephant stuffed animals put this together. Nonetheless, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human actions may in the future 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 knowledgeable on Elephant seals and their behaviour. Dr. Mikolaj is a local of Poland, and was base commander of the Polish base on the Antarctic Peninsula for a number of seasons.