They employ these different strategies because females are smaller, requiring less food, and it is also most important for them to have as many breeding seasons as possible in order to maximize reproductive success. They breathe air like humans and other mammals, reptiles and birds, but they spend most of their time at sea. In May 2012, a German free-diver named Tom Sietas remained submerged holding his breath for more than 22 minutes. 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! "As you dive deeper your chest starts to collapse, making it more difficult to get air from your lungs back to your mouth to equalise," he says. When elephant seals are born, they can weigh up to 36 kilograms (79 pounds) and reach lengths up to 122 cm (4 ft 0 in). Along with the beaked whale, the sperm whale is one of nature's best divers. [12], Elephant seals spend up to 80% of their lives in the ocean. The skin has to be regrown by blood vessels reaching through the blubber. There is a notable difference in lifespan between males and females. Northern elephant seals are found in the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean. Our scientists collect information and present these data in annual stock assessment reports. Additionally, true seals swim by using rear flippers while sea lions swim by using their fore flippers. [13] The bull's proboscis is used in producing extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating season. Eumetopias jubatus, northern sea lion Phoca sibirica, Baikal seal While females vary their routes in pursuit of moving prey, males follow a more consistent route. Scientists in our Marine Mammal Laboratory conduct wide-ranging research on the biology, life history, and health of northern elephant seals including: Learn about our northern elephant seal research, Entanglement in Fishing Gear, [10], Their body is covered in blubber, which helps them keep warm and reduce drag while they are swimming. A male elephant seal from the north can be as large as 13 feet long and weigh 4,400 pounds. The largest land-dwelling mammal on earth, at seven tons, the African elephant is smaller than the blue whale for good reason: The buoyancy of water helps to counteract the blue whale's weight, and elephants are terrestrial. Note that elephant seals spend most of their time away from these areas while foraging during the rest of the year. However, walruses are a bit more agile on land compared to elephant seals. Elephant seals were aggressively hunted for their oil, and their numbers were once reduced to the brink of extinction. Halichoerus grypus (Phoca grypa), grey seal The results of this research are used to inform management decisions and ensure stable population levels for this species. They can reach up to 20 feet in length. Elephant seals differ from many other pinniped species, both in appearance and behavior. The videos above show how a highly trained free-diver compares in breath-holding ability to a common seal. The pups are weaned after about a month, and just before she leaves her pup, she breeds again and then returns to sea. It cannot even begin to compete with the giant marine mammals, but the tiny water shrew has some special skills that enable its thumb-sized body to survive the icy water. They take their name from their trunklike inflatable snouts. The northern elephant seal is slightly smaller than its southern relative. Watch This Great White Shark Capture a Cape Fur Seal Up-Close, Watch a Sea Dog Hitch a Ride With a Kayaker and Refuse to Leave, Seals vs Sea Lions: 5 Major Differences Explained, Discover the 10 Largest Seals in the World, Watch This Hero Run Into a Swarm of Seals to Save Ones Life, Walrus vs Elephant Seal: 5 Key Differences. Meanwhile, the Southern elephant seal prefers the colder climate and waters of the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic. Leopard seals inhabit Antarctic pack ice but can also be found in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, and other Southern Hemisphere locations. Fully grown males can reach lengths of over 13 feet and can weigh nearly 4,400 pounds. 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. The elephant seal is a distinctive marine mammal known as a pinniped. Pinniped include are seals, sea lions, and walruses. Elephant seals feed on squid, fish, sharks, rays, shellfish, krill, and algae. Sometimes known as the sea gypsies of Malaysia and Indonesia they are renowned as "natural free-divers" - making their living by diving and fishing at 20m depths for five minutes at a time. The southern species lives around Antarctica and the northern species in the eastern north Pacific. Reconstruction of the world during the Miocene (20 million years before the present). During the breeding season, elephant seals gather in large groups, called colonies. Newborn elephant seals weigh about 75 pounds and are about 4 feet in length. A female elephant seal living in the north is about 10 feet long and weighs around 1,300 pounds. [11] This molting process takes up to a month 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. VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. Elephant seals are larger in every way when compared to walruses, which may come as a surprise to you. In addition, they have a larger proportion of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Northern elephant seals are protected throughout their range under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Northern elephant seals are large and imposing, with significant differences in size and shape between sexes (sexual dimorphism). They have large sinuses in their abdomens to hold blood and can also store oxygen in their muscles with increased myoglobin concentrations in muscle. [27] Breeding success is much lower for first-time mothers relative to experienced breeders. Elephant seals spend months at sea in search of food. Southern elephants are the largest of all seals. These animals can sniff it out. Elephant seals do not have tusks, while walruses always do. Males can be over 20 feet long and weigh up to 8,800 pounds. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Their body is covered in blubber, which helps them keep warm and reduce drag while they are swimming. 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! [11] Females tend to dive a bit deeper due to their prey source.[11]. For example, a female elephant seal will give birth after 11 months, while a female walrus needs 15 months before giving birth. During this time, she does not eat. Elephant seals take their name not from their size but from the large proboscis of the adult male, called a bull, which is reminiscent of an elephants trunk. In a 2007, at an event held in Greece he reached a word record-breaking depth of 214m. When it comes to scratching, it's the opposite, true seals use their fore flippers while sea lions use their rear flippers. [26] Most adult females breed each year. Northern elephant seals, like all marine mammals, are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Elephant seals are larger in every way when compared to walruses, which may come as a surprise to you. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community. Hydrurga leptonyx, leopard seal Explore a billion-year-old volcanic mystery on Lake Superior, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, These Lake Superior islands are no place for amateurs, Photograph by Marc Moritsch, Nat Geo Image Collection, Photograph by Chien Jung Lee, National Geographic Your Shot, Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Callorhinae Female elephant seals are smaller than males, and have a normal-sized nose. The longest life expectancy of a male northern elephant seal is approximately 14 years. 5 min read. Elephant seals rarely cross paths with humans but when they do they can really throw their weight around. Molting takes 4 to 5 weeks to complete. Northern elephant seals were very heavily hunted for their oil-rich blubber, and came quite close to extinction. However, this size may also mean that their life span is shorter, which is evidence When comparing elephant seals and walruses. Read on to learn about the elephant seal. These whales routinely dive for 45 minutes and to depths of more than a kilometre. Their nervous system has an automatic shut-off mechanism that prevents them from breathing at inappropriate times. [11] Phocids (true seals) are characterized by having no external ear and reduced limbs. The females can be seen out of the water when they come on to land to have their pups and the curious mammals' heads can often be spotted poking out of the water. Lystrosaurus was one of the few terrestial species that survived the permian extinction. [11], The main predators of elephant seals are killer whales and great white sharks. While walrus babies need 6 months of nutrition from their mothers milk, an elephant seal eats solid food after only 1 month. And here we explore some of the most extreme examples of breath-holding in the animal kingdom and how they match up with record-breaking human free-divers. [11] The gestation period for females is 11 months, and the pupping seasons lasts from mid to late summer. (See diagram on the left). Freediver Adam Drzazga explains how he can hold his breath for more than six minutes at a time. Monachini Rollover the map to see colony locations. Another difference between a walrus vs elephant seal is their overall life span. While both of these creatures are extremely large, elephant seals far outweigh walruses. Elephant seals are pinnipeds. [11] The females and juveniles will molt first, followed by the sub adult males, and finally the large mature males. The discipline where free-divers compete to hold their breath for as long as possible underwater is known as static apnea. Southern elephant seals receive additional protection in various countries within their range. The largest populations of Southern elephant seals are found on South Georgia, Macquarie Island, Falkland Island, Heard Island, and Kerguelen Island. Both mother and child live off the energy stored in ample reserves of her blubber. [11], By the time females arrive, each dominating male has already established his territory on the beach. It is used to produce loud roaring noises, especially during the mating season. The study tracked female seals as they made one of their biannual foraging trips. So if you find something that's too bizarre not to share, make sure to hit him up! 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. The common name "elephant seal" refers to their impressive size and the male's trunk-like proboscis. The average elephant seal lives roughly 20 years in the wild, while walruses live anywhere from 40 to 50 years. - Eared seals or sea lions and fur seals The females hunt in an open ocean while the male elephant seals search for food on the ocean floor. Breeding colonies in the north include the beaches of California and Baja California. Clade: | Pinnipedia The 'extreme cruelty' around the global trade in frog legs, What does cancer smell like? Humans rank in between, with a 1.4kg (3lbs) brain and give or take 86 billion neurons. [2] Teeth originally identified as representing an unnamed species of Mirounga have been found in South Africa, and dated to the Miocene epoch;[3][4] however, Boessenecker and Churchill (2016) considered these teeth almost certainly to be misidentified toothed whale (odontocete) teeth. Reward Posted for Information in Shooting of Elephant Seal Near Highway 1 Viewing Area, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal, Climate, Ecosystems & Fisheries Initiative, stock assessment reports with population estimates are available, Learn more about our conservation efforts, Incidental Take Authorization: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Geophysical Surveys at the Cascadia Subduction Zone and Juan de Fuca Plate in the. [23], Elephant seals have large circular eyes that have more rods than cones to help them see in low light conditions when they are diving. It is estimated that the adult male northern elephant seal can weigh up to 5,000 pounds. There are two species of elephant seals, the northern and southern. Walruses live in the frigid seas of the Arctic Circle, while elephant seals can be found worldwide in a variety of habitats. The elephant seal has a number of interesting and distinguishing characteristics.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_14',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-4-0'); The Northern elephant seal species lives offshore in the open ocean most of the year. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Erignathini Adults return to land between March and August to molt, with males returning later than females. benefit analysis of aggressive behaviour in animals and humans. 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. a non-random sample of the genes in the original population. Though a complete population count of elephant seals is not possible because all age classes are not ashore at the same time, a 2005 study of the California breeding stock estimated approximately 124,000 individuals. Elephant seals were once hunted for their oil to the point where they were pushed to the brink of extinction. Elephant seals are much larger than walruses, and walruses have distinct tusks where elephant seals dont. NOAA Fisheries conducts various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the northern elephant seal. The proboscis is considered a secondary sexual characteristic. But there are many mammals with far more impressive diving and breath-holding abilities. Elephants are born with 35% of the mass of the adult brain. Elephant seal image courtesy of David Smith, UCMP. Northern elephant seals spend about 9 months of the year in the ocean. and the southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina. But the sport does not only involve holding your breath for as long as possible. Conversely, females maintain their smaller noses and smooth necks. Walruses are members of the Odobenus genus, while elephant seals are members of the Mirounga genus. Photo credit: Marine Mammals of Maine. Northern elephant seals on Piedras Blancas beach, near San Simeon, California, Northern elephant seal male, female and pup, Northern elephant seals during molting season at Piedras Blancas beach, near San Simeon, California, Two northern elephant seal bulls fighting, Dominant southern elephant seal bulls fighting at Macquarie Island, Northern elephant seals at Piedras Blancas, California, "Sea elephant" redirects here. Because they spend the vast majority of their time below the surface, beaked whales are some of the most mysterious, and this study was the first to give a good estimate of the trend in their population. Our work includes: Northern elephant seals are protected throughout their range under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Pups are born in early winter from December to January. When elephant seals are born, they can weigh up to 79 pounds and reach lengths up to 4 feet. Family Odobenidae [11] They can also slow down their metabolism while performing deep dives. In 2012 he attempted a dive to 249m, but suffered from decompression sickness. 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". elephant seal. Mirounga angustirostris, northern elephant seal Elephant seals are considered true seals and are characterized by having no external ear and reduced limbs. It's me! But elephant seals can intimidate them with their massive size. PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. He is able to hold his breath for an impressive six minutes. The primary difference between a walrus vs elephant seal has to do with their location and genus classification. Pinnipeds include "true seals", sea lions, fur seals and walruses. Cystophora cristata, hooded seal But these massive pinnipeds aren't called elephant seals because of their size.. Harbor seal in Maine rests on the beach. Genus: | Mirounga. Seal Week 2022: Celebrating Pinniped Science and Conservation. In Mexico, the northern elephant seal is protected in the Guadalupe Island Biosphere Reserve where it was rediscovered after being believed to be extinct. Evol. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. At this time, the area around modern day central America is more submerged and does not separate waters of the Pacific from the Atlantic. [11] The shape of their body also helps them maneuver well in the water, but limits their movement on land. Monachus schauinslandi, Hawaiian monk seal Overseeing marine mammal health and stranding response. As such some of these, southern elephant males, can grow up to 4000kg in weight and be over 6m long. Arctocephalus australis, South American fur seal Graduating Southern Oregon University with a BFA in Theatre and a specialization in creative writing, I have an invested interest in a variety of topics, particularly Pacific Northwest history. Not me. [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. When I'm not writing personally or professionally, you can find me camping along the Oregon coast with my high school sweetheart and Chihuahua mix, or in my home kitchen, perfecting recipes in a gleaming cast iron skillet. Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) live in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters that feature brutally cold conditions but are rich in the fish, squid, and other marine foods these seals enjoy. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. 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. Sources: NOAA Fisheries, California Departments of Parks and Rec, and Australian Antarctic Program. ", Human error to blame for deadly train crash, says Greek PM, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. There are two living species of elephant seals, the northern elephant seal, Mirounga angustirostris Males feed near the eastern Aleutian Islands and in the Gulf of Alaska, and females feed farther south, in the offshore waters of Washington and Oregon. The largest known specimens were more than 20ft . By using their front flippers, sea lions are easily the fastest group of pinnipeds. [11] Cookie cutter sharks can take bites from their skin. Males battle each other for mating dominance. 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. Upper image: Photographer - Michal Utin. A recent tracking study of adult female elephant. 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. Histriophoca fasciata, ribbon seal at Salisbury Plain (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands). Within a year, the coat will turn a silvery brown. [11] The vibrissae are connected to blood vessels, nerves, and muscles making them an important sensing tool. Male and female animals take different migration paths throughout the year. Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 2.0 Generic. These adaptations allow elephant seals to dive to such depths and remain underwater for up to two hours. [34] The animal is protected in most countries where it lives. The largest colonies of northern elephant seals are found off southern California in the Channel Islands. [11] The turbinate process, another unique adaptation, is very beneficial when these seals are fasting, breeding, molting, or hauling out. Out of all the animals that have ever lived on earth, the brain of the elephant is the largest known. The large size of elephant seals likely has something to do with their shorter life span, but these creatures are also less likely to defend themselves when compared to walruses. Sea elephants, as these seals are sometimes called, give birth in late winter to a single pup and nurse it for approximately a month. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Adult males usually dive deeper than . They collect a harem of 40 to 50 females, which are much smaller than their enormous mates. Northern elephant seal. Northern elephant seal pups are black until they are weaned at about 6 weeks old, and they molt and turn light silver. Adults return to their feeding areas again between the spring/summer molt and the winter breeding season. In both sexes, the body is long and robust, and the neck very thick. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. 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.. They are swimming is shorter, which is evidence when comparing elephant seals were very heavily hunted for their blubber! Larger than walruses, which is evidence when comparing elephant seals are much smaller than enormous... 2012, a German free-diver named Tom Sietas remained submerged holding his breath an. 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Routinely dive for 45 minutes and to depths of more than a kilometre when elephant are... 2007, at an event held in Greece he reached a word record-breaking depth of 214m a...., southern elephant seal is slightly smaller than males, and came quite close to.... An impressive six minutes ] the females and juveniles will molt first, followed the... Like all marine mammals, reptiles and birds, but they spend most of time. Along with the beaked whale, the body is long and weighs around 1,300 pounds normal-sized.. To 4 feet flippers while sea lions, and the pupping seasons lasts from mid to late summer in and.