southern elephant seal

The southern elephant seal (M. leonina) is one of two species of elephant seals, which are the largest pinnipeds (aquatic mammals). These seals are named for their large size and the male's distinctive inflatable, trunk-like snout.1

Southern elephant seals are found throughout sub-Antarctic regions and are blue-gray in color. They have a significant molting period where patches of hair and skin are shed. Males are considerably larger than females, reaching about 21 feet in length and weighing up to 7,780 pounds, while females grow to about 11.5 feet and weigh 900 kg.1

These seals feed on fish and cephalopods like squid. While they breed and molt on land, they spend winters at sea. During the breeding season, males become aggressive, fighting for territory and harems of females. Each year, females give birth to a single pup. Both species were heavily hunted for their oil, nearly leading to extinction in the 19th century, but conservation efforts have helped their populations recover.1