Large southern elephant seals have few predators, but killer whales , leopard seals , and some large sharks are known to feed on this species. Historically, southern elephant seals were hunted to very low numbers because of the value and volume of their blubber, which was rendered into oil. Commercial hunting ceased in because numbers were too low to be worth the long trip to the Southern Ocean.
Since that time, populations have rebounded nicely, and the southern elephant seal is considered a species of least concern.
However, potential impacts of expanding Southern Ocean fisheries and ongoing climate change on the populations of this seal are not well known, so it is important to continue to study and monitor this and other Antarctic seals. Click here or below to download hands-on marine science activities for kids. They can dive to over 1,m and can stay submerged for up to 2 hours.
Most dives are about 30 minutes in duration and to depths of between m and m. Southern elephant seals can dive constantly while at sea, spending about 2 minutes on the surface between dives. Southern elephant seals have a torpedo shape, which accounts for their prowess in swimming and diving. Their enormous volume of blood stores oxygen, which they use very efficiently.
They even have extra spaces called sinuses in their abdomens to store extra blood. Haemoglobin in red blood cells carries oxygen, and elephant seals have a lot more red blood cells per unit of blood than other animals.
Their red blood cells may, as an adaptation for diving, contain more haemoglobin than normal. Their muscles are also used to store oxygen. Molecules of oxygen-carrying myoglobin are present in the muscles and colour them black. These adaptions mean that Southern elephant seals can take a breath and make the oxygen last for up to two hours. Southern elephant seals have a thick layer of blubber that sustains them during the breeding season as they do not feed during this time.
Southern elephant seals have a circumpolar distribution and visit sub-Antarctic islands to breed September—November and to moult their hair and skin January to April. Males reach maturity at 5 years, but generally do not achieve alpha status until the age of 8, with the prime breeding years being between ages 9 and The average life expectancy of a male elephant seal is 14 years. During the nineteenth century, Elephant seals were hunted to near extinction and the entire population of Northern elephant seals was reduced to a small herd of less than individuals on Isla de Guadalupe.
The protection of this species during the twentieth century resulted in a gradual recovery, and the population spread north to other islands and some mainland beaches. The current population has been estimated at over , Image Source. More Fascinating Animals to Learn About. Galapagos Fur Seals. Grey Seal. Common Seal. Harp Seal. Southern elephant seal mating rituals Female southern elephant seals reach sexual maturity as early as three years of age, while males reach sexual maturity at six.
How long do southern elephant seals live? How many southern elephant seals are there today? Do southern elephant seals have any predators? Six illuminating southern elephant seal facts Southern elephant seals can travel up to 33, km 21, miles per year, the longest known migration for any mammal. Their trunk-like nose serves two purposes: Males use the proboscis to generate loud roars to fend off other males, and both males and females use it to re-absorb moisture during their mating fasts.
Southern elephant seals are among the few seals that molt, shedding their outer layer of skin. Bulls form a shield of keratinized skin on their chests to protect them when fighting with other males.
Males can weigh up to 10 times what females weigh, the greatest weight disparity between sexes of any mammal. Related cruises. Cruise date: 23 Nov - 12 Dec, Show cruise. Cruise date: 26 Nov - 15 Dec, Antarctica Classic Antarctica including Deception Island. Cruise date: 12 Dec - 22 Dec, Cruise date: 24 Dec, - 3 Jan,
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