Southern Elephant Seal
Mirounga leonina
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Carnivora · Phocidae
About
The southern elephant seal is one of two species of elephant seals. It is the largest member of the clade Pinnipedia and the order Carnivora, as well as the largest extant marine mammal that is not a cetacean. It gets its name from its massive size and the large proboscis of the adult male, which is used to produce very loud roars, especially during the breeding season. A bull southern elephant seal is about 40% heavier than a male northern elephant seal and nearly twice the weight of a male walrus.
Fun Fact
Male southern elephant seals can weigh 3,700 kg (8,160 lb) — 10 times heavier than females — making them the most sexually dimorphic of all mammals.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Subantarctic islands and seas
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
20-22 years
Threats
- Contaminant Accumulation
- Shipping Routes