Latin Name |
Mirounga angustirostris |
Conservation Status |
Least Concern |
Location
| West Coast of North America |
Colour |
Dark Brown to Light Tan |
Length |
3.6 - 4.5 m (11.8 - 14.8 ft) |
Weight |
900 - 2,500 kg (1,980 - 5,510 lbs) |
Life Expectancy |
10 - 18 Yrs (Wild) |
Main Characteristics
Northern Elephant Seals are the second largest pinniped, only southern elephant seals are larger. They have a body length between 3.6 and 4.5 m (11.8 - 14.8 ft) and they weigh between 900 and 2,500 kgs (1,980 - 5,510 lbs). Males are much larger than females.
They get their name from the large, inflatable, trunk-like proboscis that is present in males. They use this to enhance their vocalizations during the breeding season.
Habitat
Northern Elephant Seals are found in waters off the west coat of North America. They only come ashore to breed and the rest of their time is spent at sea.
Diet
Northern Elephant Seals feed upon fish and squid. When foraging their averages dives are between 500 and 600 m (1,640 - 1,970 ft), but they can dive to depths of over 1,500 m (4,920 ft) and stay submerged for over 1 hour.
Breeding
Northern Elephant Seals breed each year between December and March. After a gestation period of 10 - 12 months a single pup is born weighing approximately 37.5 kgs (82.7 lbs). The pup is weaned after 23 - 27 days. They reach sexual maturity between 2 and 10 years of age.
Predators
Predators of Northern Elephant Seals include killer whales and large sharks, such as great white sharks.
Subspecies
Northern Elephant Seals have no subspecies
Interesting Facts
The Northern Elephant Seal is one of two species of elephant seal, the other being the southern elephant seal.
Similar Animals
Southern Elephant Seal
Walrus
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