Polar explorers capture seal able to have 'harem' of 100 females: Incredible photos
Antarctic seal species: pictorial insight (photo: facebook.com/AntarcticCenter)
Seals in Antarctica encompass a vast array of species. This time, researchers have shared information about animals that can have a "harem" consisting of up to 100 females and those that are nearly impossible to encounter, according to the Facebook page of the National Antarctic Scientific Center.
Southern elephant seal
According to experts, this seal is a champion among Antarctic seals in terms of body size, diving depth, and "harem size."
Adult elephants can reach lengths of 6 meters and weigh up to 5 tons. Their massive size, bulky body shape, and "trunk" in males (a fleshy pouch on the nose) contribute to their name.
They dive to depths of 400-1000 meters in search of prey but can go as deep as 2400 meters. There, they hunt for squid and fish, tracking them with their enormous black eyes.
Males produce a significant amount of testosterone and can gather a harem of up to 100 females, often engaging in fights for them. However, this behavior is not universal among all individuals.
Researchers noted that southern elephant seals are not frequent visitors near the Academic Vernadsky station.
However, there was an unusual occurrence where a female once approached the researchers at the pier and took a nap in one of their boats.
Southern elephant seals (photo: facebook.com/AntarcticCenter)
Ross seal
This is the least studied seal in Antarctica, about which very little is known.
In the 1980s, this species was considered almost extinct due to natural causes. However, it was later discovered that they were doing fine; they simply inhabit areas difficult for humans to access.
The last sighting of this seal was in 2020, 200 km south of the Ukrainian station.
Ross seal (photo: facebook.com/AntarcticCenter)
Subantarctic fur seal
The Subantarctic fur seal is the only representative of the eared or "fake" seals in Antarctica. These seals are the easiest and fastest movers on land among all seals, spending a significant amount of time on terrestrial surfaces.
They prefer rocky, flat areas and can climb high, making them encounterable even among cliffs.
Subantarctic fur seals are known for being highly playful and emotional. They possess a distinctive sharp odor, which they use for individual recognition.
They primarily hunt at night. In the vicinity of the Academic Vernadsky station, they arrive towards the end of the Antarctic summer and migrate to the Subantarctic during winter.
Subantarctic fur seal (photo: facebook.com/AntarcticCenter)
