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Southern elephant seals

Southern elephant seals


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Southern elephant seals

Southern elephant seal males (Mirounga leonina) sparring. Elephant seals are named for their snout or proboscis, which becomes enlarged during the breeding season. These juveniles are developing the skills they will need (when adult) to fight for a territory and to gather and keep a harem of females to breed with. Southern elephant seals live in the open waters of the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. They come to land only to breed, give birth and to moult. They feed by diving deep to catch fish and squid. Photographed on the island of South Georgia

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6462158

© PETER SCOONES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Aggression Aggressive Antarctic Antarctica Battle Bird Birds Breeding Carnivore Carnivores Carnivorous Coast Display Displaying Dispute Fight Fighting Juvenile Juveniles M Ammals Males Mammal Mirounga Leonina Penguin Penguins Predator Predators Predatory Re Production Reproductive Rival Rivalry Rivals Rock Seal Seals Shore South Georgia Southern Ocean Sparring Territorial Young Spar Sub Adult


EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the awe-inspiring sight of Southern elephant seal males engaged in a fierce sparring match. These magnificent creatures, known as Mirounga leonina, derive their name from their distinct snout or proboscis, which enlarges during the breeding season. In this image, we witness young juveniles honing the skills they will require as adults to compete for territories and establish harems of females for breeding purposes. Southern elephant seals primarily inhabit the vast open waters of the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. They venture onto land solely for breeding, giving birth, and molting. Their feeding habits involve deep dives to capture fish and squid beneath the ocean's surface. Photographed on South Georgia Island—an enchanting location—this snapshot encapsulates nature's raw beauty and highlights these marine mammals' remarkable behavior. The rocky coastal backdrop serves as an ideal stage for these juvenile seals to display their aggressive tendencies while engaging in territorial disputes with rival contenders. As carnivorous predators within this Antarctic ecosystem, Southern elephant seals exhibit both strength and prowess during battles like those depicted here. This photograph not only captures a momentary clash between two rivals but also symbolizes the ongoing struggle for dominance among these fascinating creatures. Science Photo Library has skillfully captured this extraordinary scene—a testament to their dedication in documenting wildlife wonders across our planet's diverse landscapes.

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