Southern elephant seal

The largest member of the order Carnivora, adult males, can be six times larger than polar bears!

Alain RICCI


Southern elephant seal

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The largest member of the order Carnivora, adult males, can be six times larger than polar bears!

Population 650,000

Named for their sizable, trunk-like noses observed in adult males, they are majestic marine mammals that command attention for their physical characteristics and complex social behaviors. These seals exhibit a greyish-brown hue, complemented by a thick blubber layer beneath their skin. This blubber is not merely a reserve of energy but also critical insulation, allowing these animals to endure the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean.

The distinctive noses of the adult males are not just for show; they play a pivotal role during the breeding season. These “trunks” are capable of amplifying the sounds they produce, which is essential for communication and dominance displays among males. This unique feature underscores the complexity of their social interactions and the importance of vocalizations in their social hierarchy and mating rituals.

The eyes of the Southern elephant seal are another marvel of evolutionary adaptation. Large, round, and black, their eyes are equipped with a high density of low-light pigment. This adaptation is crucial for their survival, as it enables them to spot prey in the deep, dark waters where sunlight barely penetrates. The ability to see in such conditions allows them to hunt efficiently, preying on a variety of fish and squid that make up their diet.

Despite their prowess in the water, Southern elephant seals face significant challenges on land. Their hind limbs, which have evolved into a tail-like structure, are highly effective for propulsion in water but render them almost immobile on land. To move about on the shore, they rely on their pectoral fins to drag their massive bodies. This method of locomotion, known as “galumphing,” is both laborious and awkward but is a testament to the seals’ ability to adapt to their dual life on land and at sea.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Indian ocean
200,000
Official estimate
LC
2014
Pacific ocean
75,000
Official estimate
LC
2014
Atlantic Ocean
400,000
Official estimate
LC
2014
South Atlantic
Antarctic ocean
2014
Angola
2014
Vagrant
Antarctica
2014
Argentina
2014
Australia
2014
Macquarie Is.
Bouvet Island
2014
Brazil
2014
Vagrant
Chile
2014
Vagrant
Ecuador
2014
Vagrant
Falkland Islands
2014
Malvinas
French Southern T.
2014
Heard & McDonald
2014
Mauritius
2014
Vagrant
Mozambique
2014
Vagrant
Namibia
2014
Vagrant
New Zealand
2014
Antipodean Is.
Oman
2014
Vagrant
Peru
2014
Vagrant
Saint Helena
2014
South Africa
2014
South Georgia
2014
Uruguay
2014
Vagrant

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No