Mirounga leonina
The southern elephant seal is the largest seal species and the largest marine carnivore on Earth. Males can weigh up to 4,000 kg and measure over 5 metres, dwarfing most other seals. Named for the male's enormous inflatable proboscis (resembling an elephant's trunk), these impressive animals breed in massive, noisy colonies on sub-Antarctic islands. They are phenomenal divers, regularly reaching depths of over 1,500 metres during foraging trips that can last two months at sea.
Dimensioni
Maschi: 4.5–5.8 metri; Femmine: 2.6–3.0 metri
Peso
Maschi: 1,500–4,000 kg; Femmine: 400–900 kg
Durata della vita
20–23 anni
Stato
Minima preoccupazione
Males can weigh 40 times more than the average human — making them the largest carnivore on Earth
They can dive to over 2,000 metres — deeper than most submarines
Their blood volume is proportionally much higher than other mammals, storing extra oxygen for deep dives
Males inflate their proboscis and produce a roaring sound that can be heard over a kilometre away during breeding season
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