Latin name:
Monachinae-Mirounga-M.leonina
Description:
The southern elephant seal is the largest species of seal. They are 3 to 6 m in length and weigh a massive and imposing 800 to 5000 kg. The males are considerably larger than the females. Just like the northern elephant seal male, the southern elephant seal male has a large trunk, a proboscis, which he inflates to antagonise. The southern elephant seal is an even silvery-grey colour, but the male’s head and proboscis become paler with age.
Like northern elephant seals, southern elephant seals are excellent divers. They are known to dive to depths of 1250 metres, staying under water for two hours without breathing. Most of their time spent in the water is below the surface.
Pups:
Pups are born during the winter months with a long, woolly, black fur.
Status:
Southern elephant seals were hunted on a large scale in the 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century they were almost extinct. A small group managed to save themselves, which has saved the species from extinction.
Range:
