Mirounga leonina

Southern Elephant Seal

Hanner: 4.5–5.8 meter; Hunner: 2.6–3.0 meter
20–23 år
Livskraftig
Om

Southern Elephant Seal

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.

Størrelse

Hanner: 4.5–5.8 meter; Hunner: 2.6–3.0 meter

Vekt

Hanner: 1,500–4,000 kg; Hunner: 400–900 kg

Levetid

20–23 år

Status

Livskraftig

Hvor du finner dem

Beste dykkelokasjoner

Sør-Georgia IslandMacquarie-øyaHeard-øyaKerguelenAntarktishalvøya

Dykketips

Elephant seals are rarely encountered while diving — they are deep-ocean foragers. On land, maintain a distance of at least 5 metres from resting animals. During the breeding season, beachmaster males can be extremely aggressive and dangerous. Observe from a safe distance.

Beste sesong

October–November (breeding season), January–February (moulting season)

Habitat

Sub-Antarctic islands for breeding; deep Southern Ocean for foraging. Haul out on beaches for moulting.

Kosthold

Squid, fish (lanternfish, icefish), and some crustaceans — caught during deep dives
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Morsomme fakta

1

Males can weigh 40 times more than the average human — making them the largest carnivore on Earth

2

They can dive to over 2,000 metres — deeper than most submarines

3

Their blood volume is proportionally much higher than other mammals, storing extra oxygen for deep dives

4

Males inflate their proboscis and produce a roaring sound that can be heard over a kilometre away during breeding season

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