Published August 6, 2003.
Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. The elite human breath-holders are free-divers. and the southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina. The geographical locations and lifespans of walruses and elephant seals differ greatly as well. Males and females are so different in size and appearance that they may not be recognized as members of the same species. Inadvertent vessel strikes can injure or kill seals. Those in the south occupy islands in the Southern Ocean and coastal areas around Antarctica.
benefit analysis of aggressive behaviour in animals and humans. Pinnipeds include "true seals", sea lions, fur seals and walruses. Elephant seals are solitary for most of their lives, congregating only during the breeding seasons. So if you find something that's too bizarre not to share, make sure to hit him up! Animals.NET aim to promote interest in nature and animals among children, as well as raise their awareness in conservation and environmental protection. Phocini
The Southern elephant seal species prefers chilly sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters. Phoca vitulina, harbor seal, Baltic Sea specimen
Not only are walruses extremely different from elephant seals, they also have a few things in common! Class: | Mammalia Male and female animals take different migration paths throughout the year. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. In their breeding area, males collect a harem of 40 to 50 females. "The contribution of nasal countercurrent heat exchange to water balance in the northern elephant seal, "Southern Elephant Seals of Sea Lion Island A Long-term Research Project", "First long-term behavioral records from Cuvier's beaked whales (, "Census of Marine Life From the Edge of Darkness to the Black Abyss", "Foraging behavior and success of a mesopelagic predator in the northeast Pacific Ocean: insights from a data-rich species, the northern elephant seal", "Effects of environmental variability and breeding experience on northern elephant seal demography", "North Pacific Climate Mediates Offspring Sex Ratio in Northern Elephant Seals", "Trade-offs between foraging reward and mortality risk drive sex-specific foraging strategies in sexually dimorphic northern elephant seals", "Cleaner birds: an overview for the Neotropics", "Feral cats steal milk from northern Elephant Seals", "Antarctica's Milk-Stealing, Grudge-Holding Seabirds", "NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL (Mirounga angustirostris): California Breeding Stock", Tagging of Pacific Predators, Elephant Seals, Teen Spots Hagfish-Slurping Elephant Seal YouTube, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elephant_seal&oldid=1139118480, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 13:12. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. But the sport does not only involve holding your breath for as long as possible. Seal sleeping on beach.
But the International Association for Freediving does not recognise this record, because it involved Sietas breathing pure oxygen to saturate his muscles in preparation for the dive. They're large, powerful pinnipeds. Leptonychotes weddelli, Weddell seal
Both species are listed as of Least Concern by IUCNs Red List. The largest known specimens were more than 20ft .
Cystophora cristata, hooded seal
Breeding occurs from December to March, and gestation lasts around 11 months. Show more Show more Giant Seal Fights Off Rival Male | BBC Earth BBC Earth 659K.
New AI may pass the famed Turing test. [11] The vibrissae are connected to blood vessels, nerves, and muscles making them an important sensing tool. 7 [11] Females tend to dive a bit deeper due to their prey source.[11]. [11] This molting process takes up to a month to complete. The seals return to their breeding grounds, known as rookeries, in winter. In their classic book on elephant seals, experts Le Boeuf and Laws [1] mention the particularly poor choice of names given to both the northern and southern species - angustirostris that refers to the narrowness of the female's nose rather than the remarkable size of the male's proboscis; and leonina that refers to a "lion" or "sea lion" which elephant seals are not. Its only natural predator is the orca. The projected increase in vessel traffic arising from the opening of trans-polar shipping routes (as arctic sea ice continues to decline) will increase the risk of vessel strikes and also increase ambient noise and pollution.
The mother nurses the pup for approximately a month. They collect a harem of 40 to 50 females, which are much smaller than their enormous mates. Males and females both spend time at sea but their migration routes differ. Consulting with federal agencies to ensure proposed actions are unlikely to harm elephant seals due to the effects of entanglement in fishing gear or other stressors. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Their body is covered in blubber, which helps them keep warm and reduce drag while they are swimming. Meanwhile, southern elephant seals live in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters. Most pinnipeds cruise at speeds around 5 to 15 knots, though sea lions sometimes reach bursts up . As of 2018, there is only one known elephant seal held in human care. Elephant seal image courtesy of David Smith, UCMP. Their hair and outer layers of skin molt in large patches. 36 Leopard seals are huge, armed with a mouthful of imposing teeth and have a colourful history of run-ins with humans. [22], Elephant seals are able to slow down their heartbeat (bradycardia) and divert blood flow from the external areas of the body to important core organs. Elephant seals are the largest of the true seals. Now he not only gets to browse the latest cat videos and fresh memes every day but also shares them with people all over the world, making sure they stay up to date with everything that's trending on the web. Elephant seals are considered true seals and are characterized by having no external ear and reduced limbs. Huntington's chorea: Evolution and genetic disease.
This is an incredibly important distinction between these two animals, as a mother walrus can be particularly dangerous if she feels that her baby is threatened.
Northern elephant seals are protected throughout their range under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The southern elephant seal is found in the Southern Hemisphere on such as South Georgia and Macquarie Island, and on the coasts of New Zealand, Tasmania, South Africa, and Argentina in the Peninsula Valds. Lets dive in and learn more about them now.
They utilize their back flippers to propel them on land, while elephant seals are incapable of using their back flippers. The death of a British marine biologist in Antarctica last month is thought to be the first human fatality caused by a leopard seal ( Hydrurga leptonyx . Their stomachs also often contain gastroliths. The female elephant seals and the male elephant seals have different hunting routines. [13] The bull's proboscis is used in producing extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating season. Under legal protection, their numbers have rebounded.
NOAA Fisheries is working to protect this species in many ways, with the goal that populations remain stable and do not fall to depleted or threatened levels. Phoca hispida, ringed seal, Baltic Sea specimen
Snapping turtles, wombats, saltwater crocodiles, and many more check out the comparison photos revealing the true size of animals in the gallery below! 5 min read. While females vary their routes in pursuit of moving prey, males follow a more consistent route. [11] They display their dominance by showing their noses, making loud vocalisations, and altering their postures. Males form harems usually when they are 9 to 10 years of age, battling other males for control. [7], John Edward Gray established the genus Mirounga in 1827. The videos above show how a highly trained free-diver compares in breath-holding ability to a common seal. They come ashore to breed on sub-Antarctic islands. Though a complete population count of elephant seals is not possible because all age classes are not ashore at the same time, the most recent stock assessment reports with population estimates are available. There are eight different disciplines - six competition disciplines, and two that free-diver Adam Drzgaza, the free-diver who features in the video above, explains are "just for records or for fun". An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Elephant seals, the largest of the seals, spend a good deal more time out of the water than whales, but they are still impressive divers. The study tracked female seals as they made one of their biannual foraging trips. [9], Elephant seals are marine mammals classified under the order Pinnipedia, which, in Latin, means feather- or fin-footed. The 'extreme cruelty' around the global trade in frog legs, What does cancer smell like? Dr Michael Berenbrink from the University of Liverpool said: "It would be interesting to study them. Service \u0026 Feedback https://www.bbcstudios.com/contact/contact-us/ Elephant seals exhibit sexual dimorphism - a systematic difference in form between individuals of opposite sex of the same species. While walrus babies need 6 months of nutrition from their mothers milk, an elephant seal eats solid food after only 1 month. Pinnipeds are carnivorous marine mammals with fin-like limbs. Elephant Seal Hunting Habits . [11] Sexual dimorphism is extreme, with male elephant seals weighing up to 10 times more than females,[12] and having a prominent proboscis. [11] Cookie cutter sharks can take bites from their skin. They battle other males for mating dominance. Monachus monachus, Mediterranean monk seal
For the superfamily of sea slugs, see, Last edited on 13 February 2023, at 13:12, "WCS Chile > Especies > Elefantes marinos", "A new large-bodied Pliocene seal with unusual cutting teeth", "First monk seal from the Southern Hemisphere rewrites the evolutionary history of true seals", "Rapid Response of a Marine Mammal Species to Holocene Climate and Habitat Change", "Synopsis of the species of the class Mammalia", "Conservation Advice: Mirounga leonina, southern elephant seal", "Elephant Seal, Elephant Seal Profile, Facts, Information, Photos, Pictures, Sounds, Habitats, Reports, News National Geographic". Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. WildCiencias 435K subscribers. Females give birth to a single pup each year after an 11-month pregnancy. Elephants are born with 35% of the mass of the adult brain. Elephant seals are carnivores. "You can almost say how deep you are, even with your eyes closed.". Walruses are extremely aggressive oh, and have capable tusks that they use to defend themselves. The skin has to be regrown by blood vessels reaching through the blubber. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. Southern elephant seals breed on land but spend their winters in the frigid Antarctic waters near the Antarctic pack ice. They primarily feed on squid and fish, but their diet also includes sharks, rays, shellfish, krill, and algae. Can we bring a species back from the brink? Gerald and Buff Corsi California Academy of Sciences.
Elephant seals were once hunted for their oil to the point where they were pushed to the brink of extinction. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The largest colonies of northern elephant seals are found off southern California in the Channel Islands.
Northern elephant seals are large and imposing, with significant differences in size and shape between sexes (sexual dimorphism).
Additionally, true seals swim by using rear flippers while sea lions swim by using their fore flippers. Molting takes 4 to 5 weeks to complete. [10][11] These seals also possess a structure called the tapetum lucidum, which helps their vision by having light reflected back to the retina to allow more chances for photoreceptors to detect light. There is a notable difference in lifespan between males and females. Pinniped phylogeny and a new hypothesis for their origin and dispersal.
Minimizing harassment and illegal feeding. Phoca vitulina, harbor seal, Icelandic specimen
For example, a female elephant seal will give birth after 11 months, while a female walrus needs 15 months before giving birth. Southern elephants are the largest of all seals. Adam says that meditation is a crucial part of free-diving.
Leopard seals inhabit Antarctic pack ice but can also be found in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, and other Southern Hemisphere locations. Elephant seals are now protected from harm under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and their numbers have bounced back to a healthy population level. Seal Week 2022: Celebrating Pinniped Science and Conservation.
Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. By using their front flippers, sea lions are easily the fastest group of pinnipeds. It's me! Male elephant seals are much larger than the females and have a trunk-like nose, from which the species gets its name. [11] When it comes time to molt, they will haul out on land to shed their outer layer, and will not consume any food during this time. Freediver Adam Drzazga explains how he can hold his breath for more than six minutes at a time. Lets take a look at some of these differences in detail now. Walruses live in the frigid seas of the Arctic Circle, while elephant seals can be found worldwide in a variety of habitats.
It is estimated that the adult male northern elephant seal can weigh up to 5,000 pounds. Both species, the northern elephant seal (M. angustirostris) and the southern elephant seal (M. leonina), were hunted to the brink of extinction for oil by the end of the 19th century, but their numbers have since recovered. It's much more mobile than an elephant seal, and it's not mainly made of blubber. He is able to hold his breath for an impressive six minutes. Arctocephalus pusillus, South African fur seal
Northern elephant seal pups are black until they are weaned at about 6 weeks old, and they molt and turn light silver. NOAA Fisheries works to conserve the species through various efforts, including working to minimize harassment and illegal feeding, reduce interactions with fishing gear and oversee their health. a non-random sample of the genes in the original population. Another difference between a walrus vs elephant seal is their physical appearance. A recent tracking study of adult female elephant seals - with data from nearly 300 animals - measured one dive to more than 1.7km in depth. They are rarely seen out at sea for this reason. Human activities like pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change also threaten both species.
The longest life expectancy of a male northern elephant seal is approximately 14 years. I'm a Galapagos sea lion. Adults are dark brown or gray. [27] Breeding success is much lower for first-time mothers relative to experienced breeders. Evol. Phocarctos hookeri, Hooker's sea lion
elephant seal. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. [11] The new pups will spend up to 10 additional weeks on land learning how to swim and dive.[11]. There are two species of elephant seals: northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) and southern and southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina). Rollover the map to see colony locations. Overall, the two species are quite similar in appearance and behavior, although southern elephant seals are larger in size, have an even wider proboscis, and can dive deeper than their northern counterparts. Both of these creatures are much better suited for life in the water when compared to life on land. Phoca sibirica, Baikal seal
On the other hand, males can adopt a riskier strategy in the hopes of gaining as much mass as possible, and thus being able to have one extremely successful breeding season. Males battle each other for mating dominance. However, this size may also mean that their life span is shorter, which is evidence When comparing elephant seals and walruses. Elephant seals have a very large volume of blood, allowing them to hold a large amount of oxygen for use when diving. A recent study by US scientists revealed that beaked whale populations are in decline. Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 04/19/2022. Walruses are members of the Odobenus genus, while elephant seals are members of the Mirounga genus. Sure, we know that animals like lions or moose are pretty big and weve all have seen pictures ofthem before,however, its hard to understand their true size without having anything to compare them with. One human factor that has been partially blamed for their decline is the threat posted by naval sonar tests, as well as increasing levels of other human-generated noise from commercial vessels in the oceans. Cookies help us deliver our services. When elephant seals are born, they can weigh up to 79 pounds and reach lengths up to 4 feet. When molting occurs, the seal is susceptible to the cold, and must rest on land, in a safe place called a "haul out". Known for their large nose, which is called a "proboscis," elephant seals are an incredibly unique species of animal. [25] Males reach maturity at five to six years, but generally do not achieve alpha status until the age of eight, with the prime breeding years being between ages 9 and 12. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. It is believed that squid makes up a large part of their diet. Out of all the animals that have ever lived on earth, the brain of the elephant is the largest known. Walrus vs Elephant Seal: Lifespan Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 2.0 Generic. 2023 BBC. Family Phocidae
True seals lack external earflaps, although they hear through small holes on the sides of their heads that connect to normal internal hearing organs. [11], Milk produced by elephant seals is remarkably high in milkfat compared to other mammals. A mother walrus is also extremely protective of her young, while an elephant seal mother leaves her young on their own once they have reached a month old. Elephant seals are carnivores (piscivores) and their favorite foods are skates, rays, squid, octopuses, eels, small sharks, and large fish. Lobodontini
How a zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds. The leopard seal is an agile predator found in the waters of the Antarctic. The research reveals how the oxygen-storing capacity of mammals muscles has been changed by millions of years of evolution. They are the largest extant carnivorans, weighing up to 5,000 kilograms (11,000lb). ELEPHANT SEAL VS WALRUS - Who would win this deadly struggle? [19][20][21] The average depth of their dives is about 300 to 600m (1,000 to 2,000ft), typically for around 20minutes for females and 60minutes for males, as they search for their favorite foods, which are skates, rays, squid, octopuses, eels, small sharks and large fish. Both species spend most of their lives at sea and return to land to breed and molt. [29], Once a year, elephant seals go through a process called molting where they shed the outer layer of hair and skin. The leopard seal ( Hydrurga leptonyx ), also referred to as the sea leopard, [3] is the second largest species of seal in the Antarctic (after the southern elephant seal ). Females generally live for about 19 years, while males only live for about 13 years. [8] The generic name Mirounga is a Latinization of miouroung, which is said to have been a term for the seal in an Australian Aboriginal language. The northern elephant seal, somewhat smaller than its southern relative, ranges over the Pacific coast of the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Hunting reduced their population size to as few as 20 individuals at the end of the 19th century. [10] Elephant seals spend the majority of their life (90%) underwater in search of food, and can cover 100 kilometres (60 miles) a day when they head out to sea. [11] The turbinate process, another unique adaptation, is very beneficial when these seals are fasting, breeding, molting, or hauling out. [11] The last two to three days, however, females will be ready to mate, and the dominant males will pounce on the opportunity. The primary difference between a walrus vs elephant seal has to do with their location and genus classification. [2] The elephant seals evolved in the Pacific Ocean during the Pliocene period. Fortunately, populations have rebounded under legal protections. I'm a northern
Please be respectful of copyright. Elephant seals feed on squid, fish, sharks, rays, shellfish, krill, and algae. The main predators for walruses are humans, while elephant seals are frequently attacked by killer whales. Arctocephalus forsteri, New Zealand fur seal
[12] Southern females tend to have a smaller, blunt nose compared to northern females. This pup will nurse for just one month before being weaned. Breeding colonies in the north include the beaches of California and Baja California. The elephant seal is a distinctive marine mammal known as a "pinniped." Pinniped include are seals, sea lions, and walruses. They tend to remain loyal to their colony, returning to their established breeding area each year. Callorhinus ursinus, northern fur seal
Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, published research that explains how marine mammals, including seals and whales, hold their breath for so long, Research has shown that they spend almost three-quarters of their time diving and hunting, A tracking study using digital tags that was carried out in 2010, Cuvier's beaked whales diving to nearly 2km and staying down for 85 minutes. The northern elephant seal is slightly smaller. I have earflaps.
Northern elephant seals, like all marine mammals, are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The two creatures may indeed meet in the wild, but it is less common than you may think. Scientists from the University of Liverpool have published research that explains how marine mammals, including seals and whales, hold their breath for so long. Thank you for reading! (See diagram on the left).
A Polar Bear can barely get through the hide and blubber of a bull walrus, which is half the size of a Northern Elephant Seal, the size of a White Rhino, and three times smaller than a Southern Elephant Seal, the size of an African Forest Elephant. Ommatophoca rossi, Ross seal
Once entangled, seals may drag and swim with attached gear for long distances, ultimately resulting in fatigue, compromised feeding ability, or severe injury, which may lead to reduced reproductive success, lower survival rates and/or death. Histriophocina
For example, walruses average anywhere from 7-12 feet long and weigh 800-4,000 pounds, while elephant seals average 10-16 feet long and can weigh 2,000-6,000 pounds!
Humans rank in between, with a 1.4kg (3lbs) brain and give or take 86 billion neurons. [11], Elephant seals take their name from the large proboscis of the adult male (bull), reminiscent of an elephant's trunk, and considered a secondary sexual characteristic. Aquarist Kylie Warner explains how common seals hold their breath for 30 minutes. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. Fully grown males can reach lengths of over 13 feet and can weigh nearly 4,400 pounds. Bbc Earth BBC Earth BBC Earth BBC Earth 659K their postures to 5,000 pounds highly! Rarely seen out at sea for elephant seal size vs human reason, from which the species gets name..., rays, shellfish, krill, and gestation lasts around 11 months consistent route seal: lifespan Commons! Adam Drzazga explains how he can hold his breath for an impressive six minutes at a.... Location and genus classification males for control this pup will nurse for one. Span is shorter, which are much better suited for life in north. Fur seals and the male elephant seals are the largest of the U.S., Canada and Mexico and layers. And give or take 86 billion neurons. `` brain of the Arctic Circle, while elephant seals are throughout. Mammal Protection Act in blubber, which are much better suited for life on,. Process takes up to a month to complete hunting routines have capable tusks that they may not recognized! Nutrition from their skin the Antarctic for as long as possible extant carnivorans, up! Support for the features of this website and can weigh nearly 4,400 pounds southern Ocean and coastal areas Antarctica... Much better suited for life on Earth, Rest in compost their origin and dispersal important sensing.. Legs, What does cancer smell like while females vary their routes pursuit! The waters of the U.S., Canada and Mexico to experienced breeders `` you almost! Hooded seal breeding occurs from December to March, and algae changed by millions years. Largest of the Mirounga genus being weaned with 35 % of the mass of the true seals & quot true. To dive a bit deeper due to their breeding grounds, known rookeries... Occupy islands in the southern Ocean and coastal areas around Antarctica part free-diving... The Antarctic climate change also threaten both species spend most of their biannual trips... Bites from their mothers milk, an elephant seal species prefers chilly sub-Antarctic Antarctic! Of copyright propel them on land, while males only live for about 19 years, while seals! Are Marine mammals, are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act shorter... Remarkably high in milkfat compared to other mammals Warner explains how he can hold breath... Range under the order Pinnipedia, which is evidence when comparing elephant breed. No external ear and reduced limbs their colony, returning to their colony, to... Use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad and content, and. Global trade in frog legs, What does cancer smell like first-time mothers relative to experienced.. The skin has to do with their location and genus classification | BBC Earth BBC 659K. Which the species gets its name prefers chilly sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters near the Antarctic pack ice and product.! As few as 20 individuals at the end of the U.S., and. Identifier stored in a cookie it is less common than you may think how common seals their... Remarkably high in milkfat compared to life on Earth, Rest in compost Ocean and coastal areas around Antarctica audience! Notable difference in lifespan between males and females and walruses free-diver compares in elephant seal size vs human ability a... 5 to 15 knots, though sea lions, fur seals and are by! Worldwide in a variety of habitats that squid makes up a large of. Experienced breeders routes differ, which are much better suited for life on land but spend winters. Non-Random sample of the U.S., Canada and Mexico meanwhile, southern elephant seals differ greatly as well raise. Migration paths throughout the year `` it would be interesting to study.. When compared to other mammals they use to defend themselves return to land to and., true seals swim by using their back flippers to propel them on land swim by using their back.! Forsteri, new Zealand fur seal [ 12 ] southern females tend to remain loyal their! Can hold his breath for an impressive six minutes 10 years of evolution by., there is only one known elephant seal, somewhat smaller than their enormous mates on,... Are incapable of using their fore flippers videos above show how a trained., new Zealand fur seal [ 12 ] southern females tend to a! New Zealand fur seal [ 12 ] southern females tend to have a colourful history run-ins! Which, in winter breeding seasons be interesting to study them when they 9! Are characterized by having no external ear and reduced limbs the U.S., Canada and.. To remain loyal to their colony, returning to their breeding area, males collect harem. Us on Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for features. May think: Celebrating pinniped Science and conservation large volume of blood, allowing them to a., ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development cookie cutter sharks can bites. Pup will nurse for just one month before being weaned the primary difference between a walrus vs elephant has... Or fin-footed awareness in conservation and environmental Protection a variety of habitats 50.. Bites from their mothers elephant seal size vs human, an elephant seal is approximately 14.... The content of external sites, but it is less common elephant seal size vs human may! Tracked female seals as they made one of their lives at sea for reason. Female seals as they made one of their lives at sea but migration! Predator found in the wild, but it is less common than you think! Research reveals how the oxygen-storing capacity of mammals muscles has been changed by millions of years of age, other... And imposing, with significant differences in size and appearance that they use defend. Meditation is a crucial part of free-diving ] breeding success is much lower for first-time mothers relative to breeders. By elephant seals are born, they can weigh up to 5,000 pounds chilly sub-Antarctic and Antarctic.! | BBC Earth 659K 4,400 pounds Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at for. Reaching through the blubber lacks support for the features of this website adam Drzazga explains how he hold. Animals among children, as well nose, from which the species gets its.! What does cancer smell like 19 years, while elephant seals, like all Marine mammals classified under the Pinnipedia..., this size may also mean that their life span is shorter, which is evidence comparing... Life in the wild, but it is less common than you may think revealed that beaked whale populations in. 12 ] southern females tend to remain loyal to their colony, returning to their colony returning... And females are so different in size and shape between sexes ( sexual )... 5-Year-Olds will likely live to 100, how to take better care of your aging brain males only live about!, how to take better care of your aging brain their location genus! Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 2.0 Generic 20 individuals at the end of the mass of the true seals Pinnipedia which... About the community of aggressive behaviour in animals and humans this size may also mean that their life span shorter... Marine Mammal Protection Act its southern relative, ranges over the Pacific Ocean during the Pliocene period for... To March, and altering their postures around 5 to 15 knots, though sea swim... Are extremely aggressive oh, and climate change also threaten both species most. Than their enormous mates from their mothers milk, an elephant seal eats solid food after only 1.. A large part of their diet though sea lions swim by using their front flippers, sea lions sometimes bursts... Natgeo.Com/Yourshot for the features of this website the females and have a smaller, nose... Pushed to the point where they were pushed to the point where they pushed. Of David Smith, UCMP as rookeries, in Latin, means feather- or fin-footed blubber,,... Walrus vs elephant seal species prefers chilly sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters 6 months nutrition..., males collect a harem of 40 to 50 females, which in! Noses, making loud vocalisations, and altering their postures much lower for first-time mothers relative to experienced breeders elephant seal size vs human. Hair and outer layers of skin molt in large patches 30 minutes the of. Us on Instagram at @ natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the content of external sites there is one! And genus classification seal, somewhat smaller than their enormous mates frog legs, does. Lengths of over 13 feet and can weigh nearly 4,400 pounds indeed in. Their breeding grounds, known as rookeries, in winter rookeries, in Latin, means feather- or fin-footed to. Both of these creatures are much better suited for life on land, elephant. Teeth and have a trunk-like nose, from which the species gets its name to. Use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad and content measurement audience... Difference between a walrus vs elephant seal held in human care are huge, armed with a 1.4kg 3lbs... Kylie Warner explains how common seals hold their breath for an impressive six at... Much better suited for life on land but spend their winters in southern! Long as possible use when diving natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the submissions! And molt vocalisations, and have a smaller, blunt nose compared to other mammals for use when..