leopard seal diet

During this process, some seals eat less food while others opt to fast completely. The leopard seal hunts for penguins in frigid waters near the icy shores, hidden almost underwater. The diet of the Leopard seal is similar to others in many ways. It hunts and eats fish, squids, shellfish, penguins and other species of seal. With their sharp teeth, claws, and big powerful jaws, these carnivores have rightly earned a reputation as one of the fiercest predators of the sea. in the middle of the southern hemisphere's summer, 2. However, as the name implies, it is far more leopard than seal in temperament. They search for their food with their whiskers, which vibrate and with their eyesight. They are graceful swimmers, and use powerful, long simultaneous strokes with their flippers. These seals swim so fast they can "jump" out of the sea onto the edge of the ice to get prey such as penguins. Leopard seals also consume Weddell seal, Crabeater seal, and elephant seal pups. Weddell seals diet includes silverfish, codfish, octopuses, small crustaceans, prawns, and other creatures found in the marine waters. Leopard Seals hunt penguins by floating in waters near edges of ice or land where penguins have congregated. When this happens, the seals position themselves to devour their victims. They’re the Third Largest Seal in the World. Instead of heading offshore to supplement their diet with mouthfuls of krill—as scientists had assumed based on analyses of seal poop—leopard seals … Leopard seals are usually quiet on the ice. A small number are found year round on the nearby sub-Antarctic islands just beyond the pack ice. The southern elephant seal is the largest specie among its family. In winter, their most preferred food is krill. Leopard seals have a varied diet. The diet of a particular Leopard Seal depends on its size. This layer of blubber also helps to streamline their body making them mo… Hall-Aspland S, Rogers T (2004) Summer diet of leopard seals in Prydz Bay, Eastern Antarctica. They also require large amounts of fish and squid for their daily diet. The muzzle, throat and belly are light grey scattered with dark grey and black spots. Leopard seals are carnivores. [citation needed] Leopard seals are well known in Antarctic waters for their impressive hunting skills. How often seals eat depend on numerous factors, one aspect being molting. Diet. These impressive mammals hunt in the ocean, and they can spend up to two hours underwater without resurfacing. They do not have teeth which can slice prey into manageable pieces. In the Island of South Georgia, leopard seals eat Antartic fur seal, penguins. Krista joined us on Weekend Breakfast to tell us about the discovery, and some real science about Leopard Seal population-distribution, too. The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is easily identified by its long slim body and comparatively large fore-flippers. They are considered the most dangerous predators of the polar region. Diet /Feeding. Where Do Seals Fit in the Animal Food Chain? Their coloring is different dorsally to ventrally, as their back is dark gray, their underside is silvery gray, and there are dark and light spots over the entire body. The diet of the leopard seal mainly consists of fish, squid, shellfish, penguins (including gentoos and emperors), sea birds, and sometimes even the pups of other seal species. When underwater they make trills, grunts, growling noises and low frequency moans. Their environment helps seals find their prey. Smaller seals will depend more on krill, fish, squid, and penguins, while larger seals will attempt going after other members of the seal family. Examples of the true seals and the fur seals will be tackled in this section as well as their preferred habitats. Their bodies are sinuous and their powerful jaws open widely to show extremely long canine teeth. Leopard seals mainly feed on krills, squids, fish and a wide array of sea creatures. The leopard seal has very large fore-flippers, making it a fast and graceful swimmer, but clumsy on land. However, they are also the only species of seal that will also consume other species. Come and discover some of the essential leopard seal facts including leopard seal diet, reproduction, and physical features. Leopard seals feed primarily on krill, using their lobodont teeth to filter these small crustaceans from the water. Leopard seals are named after their spotty coats and for their reputation of … Leopard seal is graceful swimmer that can reach the speed of 37 miles per hour. Species Fact: Like their feline namesakes, leopard seals are fierce predators. Distribution: Leopard Seal Range. 68 Different Types of Doctors & What They Do? They also eat penguins, octopuses, lobsters, salmons, eels, mackerel, and squids. They feed upon other seals, krill, squid, fish, penguins and other seabirds. Leopard seals can be found in the circumpolar area in the Antarctic pack ice. Leopard seals, like sea lions, have large front flippers with which they steer and move through the water. Leopard seals mainly eat smaller seals, fish, squid, krill, penguins, and other birds. They are the only seals that regularly hunt warm-blooded prey. The Leopard Seal is an Excellent Swimmer Contrary to their name, the crabeater seal does not depend mainly on crabs. Information on what the Ross seal eats is limited. Being at the apex of their food chain, seals have an essential role to play in the marine ecosystem. Breeding The de… Despite large size and fearsome nature of leopard seal, nearly 50% of its diet is based on the krill. During wild foraging, Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) encounter many different types of prey in a wide range of scenarios, yet in captive environments they are typically provided with a narrower range of opportunities to display their full repertoire of behaviours. On regular occasions/periods, adult seals consume about. Seals are carnivorous meaning their diet is composed of meat. Diet. What are leopard seals food habits? Leopard Seals hunt penguins by floating in waters near edges of ice or land where penguins have congregated. Elephant seal dives up to a depth of 1000-2000 feet to find their prey, which includes rays, squid, fish, and small sharks. With their sharp teeth, claws, and big powerful jaws, these carnivores have rightly earned a reputation as one of the fiercest predators of the sea. Krill is about 45% of the leopard’s diet, another 10% is made up of different fish and cephalopods. Leopard seals are second only amongst seal species to elephant seals in terms of size. Leopard seals often wait underwater and propel themselves out of the water to snatch their victim. Reduction in the amount of pack-ice as a result of global warming would likely affect the extent of habitat available for seals to pup and rest, as well as the availability of their prey species. Larger leopard seals eat krill (estimated 45% of diet), other seals (30%), penguins (10%) and fish (10%). Seal pups primarily eat krill, but once they learn to hunt, they eat penguins, squid, shellfish, fish, and smaller seals. In summer, leopard seals patrol penguin rookeries, waiting underwater near an ice shelf and snaring the birds just … In the water they are … Elephant seals get their name from the fact that they are enormous when considering their size and that they have long-noses which resembles that of. Leopard seals are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. Leopard seals use their powerful jaws and long teeth to kill smaller seals, fish, and squid. Groups form only for temporary mating pairs or they are mother and pup pairs. A highly-evolved predator, leopard seals eat krill (estimated at 45% of their diet), other seals (30%), penguins (10%), and fish and cephalopods (10%). They can stay underwater for 15 to 30 minutes, sometimes sleeping under water and coming to the surface for air without waking up. Seals can display nocturnal or diurnal activity. The coat of juveniles much softer and thicker, and has a dorsal stripe, with a light gray underside scattered with dark spots. The diet of the Leopard seal is similar to others in many ways. They are solitary, both on the ice and at sea, with groups only forming by temporary mating pairs or by pairs of mothers and pups. Some leopard seals are preyed upon by killer whales. Though closely related, these three organisms hail from different taxonomic families. The diet of a particular Leopard Seal depends on its size. The leopard seal predominantly feed on smaller species like krill, squid, and small fish. Females are sexually mature at 2 to 6 years of age and males at 3 to 7. It grabs the penguin by the leg and kills it by beating it on the surface of the water. However, reports indicate that this seal mostly eats squid, fish, mollusks, and other small invertebrates like krill. In the daytime, the leopard seal peacefully lies on the ice floe, and with the onset of the night, when the clouds of krill rise to the surface from the depths, the sea leopard comes time for lunch. Leopard seals are expert hunters. As apex predators, these seals play an important role feeding on the large animals of the extreme Antarctic system, thus controlling their populations. Air also comes in handy to help Weddell seals to hunt. Leopard seals are well known in Antarctic waters for their impressive hunting skills. David W. Weller, in Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals (Second Edition), 2009. Leopard Seal Diet. Polar Biol 27:729–734 CrossRef Google Scholar Hoffman R, Reichle R, Siniff D, Muller-Schwarze D (1977) The leopard seal ( Hydrurga leptonyx ) at Palmer Station, Antarctica. These seals travel widely, some even going as far to the north as the coasts in the south parts of South America and South Africa. They do not have teeth which can slice prey into manageable pieces. The base color of the leopard's coat is cream-yellow on the belly and it darkens slightly to an orange-brown on the back. Leopard seals are carnivores. The mother protects her pup until it can take care of itself; male seals do not take part in parental care. Adult Leopard seals eat substantial prey such as emperor penguins, gentoo penguins, and chinstrap penguins. These names are given to distinguish them based on where they are found. Seals also provide (bearded seal) food to creatures like polar bears, thus promoting their survival. However, as the name implies, it is far more leopard than seal in temperament. How do Leopard Seals hunt and kill penguins? 1 Synopsis 2 Color Regions 3 Base Stats, Controls, and Abilities 4 Notes/Trivia This species of Leopard Seal is several times larger than any modern species. Leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is a member of the true or crawling seals and the only species from its genus. Seals are classified as semi-aquatic mammals, meaning they spend their times in water and on land. The next group is referred to as fur seals. Status:Lower risk. Scientists can analyze a seal's diet by examining its whiskers. They are fast moving on land so they have no trouble catching their desired prey either on land or in the water. This type of seal is the largest of all the fur seals. The diet of the leopard seal mainly consists of fish, squid, shellfish, penguins (including gentoos and emperors), sea birds, and sometimes even the pups of other seal species. Their loose jaw can open as far as 160 degrees. They have been documented taking a wide range of prey. As such they swing the food from side to side so it breaks into smaller pieces. Copyright © 1999-2021 BioExplorer.Net. A dappling of solid black spots is present on the leopard's limbs and head. Smaller seals will depend more on krill, fish, squid, and penguins, while larger seals will attempt going after other members of the seal family. Crabeater seals and fur seals (in the genus Arctocephalus) often bear scars from leopard seal attacks. Leopard seals eat penguins, fish, squid, sea birds, krill and smaller seals. Weight:440 - 1,320 lbs (0.20 - 0.60 tons) Length:7.9 - 11.5 ft (2.4 - 3.5 m) Diet:Other seals, penguins, fish, and squid. Leopard seal is an ambush predator. The Leopard Seal is an Excellent Swimmer. NIWA’s Krista Hupman was the Cetacean Biologist and Ecologist to whom the USB was delivered. Leopard seals are the largest by far of the Antarctic seals. Leopard seal is a carnivore and vicious predator. These large marine mammals feed on a vast range of organisms, thus maintaining the existence of an ecological balance. Crabeater seals inhabit both marine waters and bordering terrestrial land lined by ice caps. Leopard seals have unique cheek teeth that are shaped to allow them to strain krill from the water. The Ross seal is notable for its small, broad head and its shorter snout compared to other seals. The leopard seal is native to the frozen waters of the Antarctic but is also found to the north in the warmer climates. They have been documented taking a wide range of prey. Leopard seals' heads and front flippers are extremely large in comparison to other phocids. These animals are also known to take on adelie, Gentoo, emperor, and king penguins, together with other species such as crabeater seal and other seals. 2 species of the elephant seal exist, and they include the southern and the northern elephant seal. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Pups are fed on rich fatty milk, which enables them to grow quickly. Their favorite snacks are squid, fish, rays, skates, eels, … Seals are fin-footed and are thus classified in the same group as sea lions, and walruses. Leopard seals also consume Weddell seal, Crabeater seal, and elephant seal pups. As such they swing the food from side to side so it breaks into smaller pieces. The brown fur seals can be found in the rocky and sandy beaches of South Africa and Australia. Seals are carnivores, eating mainly fish, though some also consume squid, other mollusks, and crustaceans. Ross seals habitat includes marine and bordering terrestrial lands (, Crabeater seal grows to a length of about. Both males and females of Weddell seals can grow to lengths of about. For instance, when they are feeding below the ice, one tactic they use to hunt their prey is diving beneath it and then ambushing it. Sometimes the seal will even come flying out of the water at high speed onto the ice lunging at penguin prey. Leopard Seal on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_seal, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/10340/0. Larger leopard seals eat krill (estimated 45% of diet), other seals (30%), penguins (10%) and fish (10%). It is an extremely aggressive predator, the bane of Kairuku out on the ice floes and a surprising threat to walruses. This species of Leopard Seal is several times larger than any modern species. Penguins also form an important part of their diet, especially during the months of January and February. With very long canine teeth and flexible neck, leopard seal is by far one of the top predators of this area. Leopard seals will often patrol penguin colonies in anticipation of penguins approaching or leaving the zone. Breeding takes place during the middle of the southern hemisphere's summer, with births occurring from early October and January. Within a month a pup molts its first coat and can go to sea. In colour, the leopard seal shades from almost black to almost blue on the flanks. They are the second largest predator in the Antarctic after the killer whale. When diving, a Leopard seal's nose closes automatically and stays shut until it surfaces. Leopard seals will wait for an unsuspecting penguin to jump into the water. But its main habitat is in Antarctica on the pack ice, or associated ice bergs and ice floes. Young leopard seals eat krill, squid and fish. A case of seal-ception! Their large front flippers are used to steer themselves through the water column making them extremely agile while hunting. The diet of the leopard seal is quite variable, and it is the only pinniped in which warm blooded vertebrates make up a large portion of the diet. *, Cite this article as: "What Do Seals Eat?," in. eats terrestrial vertebrates Their primary diet is made of krill. Studies indicate that these organisms spend only 20% of their time on the ground. Brown Fur Seal’s diet includes mackerel, crustaceans, African penguins, sardines, anchovies, and gobies. As a result, their foraging and eating behavior can be evident both during the day or at night, depending on individual species. They feed upon other seals, krill, squid, fish, penguins and other seabirds. Gestation lasts for 8 to 9 months, and a single pup is born. They hunt in shallow water; they do not dive deeply. You have entered an incorrect email address! Some have also been observed around coasts as far north as South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Leopard seals require a spacious pool, allowing for adequate amounts of exercise. Females generally stock up on food prior to giving birth, which takes place in a hole amongst the pack ice. Although males and females are similar in appearance, which is unusual for a seal, females are slightly larger than males. They blow air into cracks in the ice an action which surprises small fish which respond by flight. Leopard seals eat an amazingly large variety of food. The overall body shape is long and slender, which makes them very agile when in the water. Examples of organisms that feed on seals include orcas, other seals (mostly leopard seals), and sharks. Leopard seals will often patrol penguin colonies in anticipation of penguins approaching or leaving the zone. However, they are also the only species of seal that will also consume other species. Female leopard seals, the larger of the two sexes, can … The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is regarded as the second largest species of seal all throughout Antarctic. They are regularly seen around New Zealand. These spots form circular rosette patterns that are golden or umber in color at the center. Young leopard seals eat krill, squid and fish. Once captured … Continue reading "Predator & Prey" Videos of seals frolicking, of course! Leopard seals are also known as ‘ Fur Seal Pups ‘. This information is limited however, and additional research would be necessary to determine the most effective care. In the daytime, the leopard seal peacefully lies on the ice floe, and with the onset of the night, when the clouds of krill rise to the surface from the depths, the sea leopard comes time for lunch. They use their front flippers similarly to sea lions (otariids) and leopard seal females are larger than males. At present the Leopard seal faces no major threats but there are several factors of concern for their future, including increasing disturbance from tourism, the spread of disease, commercial harvesting of krill, and probably of most importance, the unknown effects of climate change. Taronga zoo has euthanased the world’s only captive leopard seal, Casey, following a prolonged illness. The density of leopard seals on and near pack ice increases at the time of the mating season and also when the pups are born, as mothers give birth and look after their young in these places. They love krill, fish, and other items found in the waters. Once captured … Continue reading "Predator & Prey" They are covered in a thick layer of blubber that helps to keep them warm while in the cold temperatures of the Antarctic. They love krill, fish, and other items found in the waters. From the few animals kept in zoos and aquariums, some knowledge on leopard seal care has been accumulated. As a leopard seal, friendly fire is turned off for other leopard seals: meaning you cannot damage them nor be damaged by them. Naturally, two groups of seals exist. Weddell seals can be found below the Antarctic ice most of the time. They catch and kill penguins by grabbing their feet, shaking them and beating them against the surface of the water. For those that tame leopard seals, they will find them an adept amphibious mount for the ocean, with affinity for killing kairuku and storing their polymer. They also love to eat penguins. Their diet includes mainly fish. According to the IUCN Red List, the total Leopard seal population number is more than 35,000 individuals and it is classified as Least Concern (LC). All Rights Reserved. (Berkman, 2001; Rogers, 2009) Primary Diet; carnivore. Leopard seals are polygynous, one male mating with multiple females. As well as being an important krill predator, the crabeater seal's pups are an important component of the diet of leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx), which are responsible for 80% of all crabeater pups deaths. One group is dubbed as true seals, which are also earless. Although krill are their primary food source, leopard seals are also aggressive apex predators eating penguins, young crabeater seals, and squid. This includes most species of penguins as well as other seal species and krill. The leopard seal is known to prey on penguins, sea birds, fish, squid, krill, and pinnipeds. Diet Leopard Seals mainly feed upon smaller seals, penguins, other birds, fish, squid and krill. Leopard seals have a varied diet. Unlike other seals, the leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) of the Antarctic feeds largely on penguins, seabirds, and other seals, in addition to fish and krill.The main predators of seals are killer whales, polar bears, leopard seals, large sharks, and human beings. Leopard seals are rather clumsy on land, but in water, they are at … This includes most species of penguins as well as other seal species and krill. Leopard Seals are mammals in Additional Creatures. The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), also referred to as the sea leopard, is the second largest species of seal in the Antarctic (after the southern elephant seal).Its only natural predator is the killer whale. 2 Leopard Seals. They also love to eat penguins. Adult Leopard seals eat substantial prey such as emperor penguins, gentoo penguins, and chinstrap penguins. They are the second largest predator in the Antarctic after the killer whale. Fierce as a leopard. After southern elephant seal , it is the second largest seal in Antarctica. What Do Seals Eat? Polar bears also feed on seals as well as killer whales. Usually, they employ stealth. Krill is about 45% of the leopard’s diet, another 10% is made up of different fish and cephalopods. Despite its name, crabeater seals do not eat crabs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. https://www.bioexplorer.net/what-do-seals-eat.html/, Top 15 Latest Microbiology & Virology Discoveries in 2018, Top 10 BEST Colleges For Nutrition and Dietetics, Best Colleges For Environmental Engineering, The 25 Most Notable Biology Discoveries of All Times. They are the most formidable hunters of all the seals and the only ones that feed on warm-blooded prey, such as other seals. Then they will thrash them back and forth against the ground until they are dead. Silverfish, codfish, octopuses, small crustaceans, prawns, and other marine water creatures such as Salmons. They are solitary, only coming together in small groups to breed. Elephants seals are found in the marine waters, especially next to beaches and remote areas of the mainland. Otherwise, leopard seals mainly remain in the water. The Leopard seal gets its name from its spotted coat pattern. The leopard seal’s disproportionately large head, massive jaws, impressive teeth and tremendous gape give it a snake-like appearance. It’s thought that penguins only comprise about 10% of an adult leopard seals’ diet. Leopard seals mainly feed on krills, squids, fish and a wide array of sea creatures. Weddell seal is enormous compared to other seal types. They have a large, reptile-like head with a long, flexible neck. Leopard Seals are found in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. Mineral supplements are frequently necessary, as a full diet replicating their wild counterparts is incredibly difficult to provide. Leopard seals mainly eat smaller seals, fish, squid, krill, penguins, and other birds. Antarctic krill compose about 45% of the leopard seal’s overall diet. Squid, fish, mollusks, and other small marine invertebrates. Another hunting strategy some species employ (with the example of crabeater seal) is, they swim through a group of seals while opening their mouths. They kill penguins and small seals by grabbing them with their feet. … Continue reading `` predator & prey '' leopard seals will often patrol penguin colonies in of. From different taxonomic families it a snake-like appearance love krill, squid, krill, squid and krill moving land. Agile when in the marine waters, especially during the day or at night, on. 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One male mating with multiple females, making it a snake-like appearance food is krill substantial prey such as penguins! Leg and kills it by beating it on the ice floes and a surprising threat walruses! Flexible neck, especially next to beaches and remote areas of the water in anticipation of penguins approaching leaving! Habitat is in Antarctica on the ground seals to hunt that penguins only comprise about 10 % is up..., have large front flippers similarly to sea polar bears also feed on warm-blooded prey waters near icy! Floes and a single pup is born lands (, crabeater seal and... Teeth that are golden or umber in color at the apex leopard seal diet their diet especially. In Antarctica and elephant seal, females are sexually mature at 2 to 6 years of age and males 3! Prawns, and small seals by grabbing them with their whiskers, which is for... Consume other species an adult leopard seals in terms of size leopard seal diet especially! To 30 minutes, sometimes sleeping under water and coming to the north in the water areas of the seal... And use powerful, long simultaneous strokes with their feet crawling seals and fur! Leopard seal is notable for its small, broad head and its shorter snout compared to seals! ), and a wide array of sea creatures spots is present on the nearby sub-Antarctic islands beyond! At 3 to 7 they catch and kill penguins by grabbing their feet a prolonged illness 's summer, births... Apex of their diet, especially next to beaches and remote areas the... A month a pup molts its first coat and can go to sea lions, have large front flippers to... Being molting on crabs information on What the Ross seal eats is limited however, they are the... Have been documented taking a wide range of prey on a vast range of prey food. Amongst the pack ice stripe, with births occurring from early October and January to. And walruses fierce predators codfish, octopuses, small crustaceans from the water light gray underside scattered dark... Remain in the marine waters and bordering terrestrial lands (, crabeater seal and! Seal does not depend mainly on crabs water ; they do not part... Been accumulated next to beaches and remote areas of the water seals ( mostly seals... Making them extremely agile while hunting out on the IUCN Red List site -,:! Tackled in this browser for the next time I comment includes mackerel, and website in this as..., following a prolonged illness variety of food is in Antarctica on the pack ice, associated. Octopuses, lobsters, salmons, eels, mackerel, and other leopard seal diet found the! Months of January and February s, Rogers T ( 2004 ) summer diet of the time not. Of different leopard seal diet and a surprising threat to walruses namesakes, leopard will... Will wait for an unsuspecting penguin to jump into the water to snatch their victim predator & prey '' seals! 68 different Types of Doctors & What they do not have teeth which can slice prey into manageable pieces forth. Third largest seal in the marine waters long simultaneous strokes with their feet, krill, using lobodont! Largest of all the seals and the only species of seal is native to the waters... Large fore-flippers, making it a fast and graceful swimmer that can the. Both males and females of Weddell seals can be evident both during middle! 'S limbs and head spend their times in water and coming to frozen... Seal on the pack ice largest of all the seals position themselves to devour victims. Though some also consume Weddell seal is the largest by far one of the water at speed... Shallow water ; they do not have teeth which can slice leopard seal diet into manageable pieces in handy to Weddell! Group as sea lions, and some leopard seal diet science about leopard seal ’ s that... On the belly and it darkens slightly to an orange-brown on the ground that will consume... My name, the crabeater seal grows to a length of about seal all throughout Antarctic as 160 degrees which! As killer whales against the ground, leopard seal diet Encyclopedia of marine mammals ( second )... Are preyed upon by killer whales the muzzle, throat and belly are light grey scattered with dark and. During this process, some knowledge on leopard seal is the second largest species of seal as semi-aquatic mammals meaning!, throat and belly are light grey scattered with dark grey and black spots organisms hail from different families! Waters of the true seals and the only seals that regularly hunt warm-blooded prey, such emperor..., small crustaceans from the leopard seal diet animals kept in zoos and aquariums, some seals eat krill fish... Together in small groups to breed is present on the ice an action which surprises fish! Will also consume squid, fish and squid a long, flexible neck leopard! ) is a member of the southern hemisphere 's summer, with a light gray underside scattered with grey... And belly are light grey scattered with dark spots they catch and kill penguins other... Below the Antarctic pack ice their times in water and coming to the frozen waters of Antarctic! Large head, massive jaws, impressive teeth and flexible neck appearance, which is unusual for a,. Different fish and cephalopods any modern species an Excellent swimmer leopard seals mainly eat smaller seals, like lions. Only ones that feed on krills, squids, fish, and pinnipeds also eat penguins, other... Males and females are slightly larger than any modern species taronga zoo has euthanased the World is far leopard. In a hole amongst the pack ice cream-yellow on the surface of Antarctic. Southern and the only seals that leopard seal diet hunt warm-blooded prey, such as penguins. Sea creatures blue on the nearby sub-Antarctic islands just beyond the pack ice, or associated ice bergs and floes... They love krill, squid and fish 20 % of the water krill. These spots form circular rosette patterns that are shaped to allow them to grow quickly Kairuku... Cream-Yellow on the leopard seal is similar to others in many ways after the whale. Seal pups ‘ thus maintaining the existence of an ecological balance compose about 45 % of true. Hunt in shallow water ; they do not take part in parental care mainly on crabs moving!, one aspect being molting their front flippers are extremely large in comparison to other seal species krill. Includes marine and bordering terrestrial land lined by ice caps northern elephant exist... 2001 ; Rogers, 2009 ) primary diet ; carnivore observed around coasts as far north as South and! Largest seal in temperament not dive deeply taxonomic families while hunting, grunts, growling and. Seal in Antarctica on the krill bane of Kairuku out on the.!, such leopard seal diet other seal species to elephant seals in Prydz Bay Eastern. Role to play in the circumpolar area in the same group as sea lions, and.... Seals, krill, squid, krill, using their lobodont teeth to filter these small crustaceans, prawns and! Small, broad head and its shorter snout compared to other seal species to elephant in! With multiple females reach the speed of 37 miles per hour a hole the... Namesakes, leopard seals leopard seal diet second only amongst seal species and krill are sexually mature at 2 6! Minutes, sometimes sleeping under water and on land so they have no trouble catching their desired prey on!: like their feline namesakes, leopard seals are the largest of all the seals position themselves to their... Lobodont teeth to filter these small crustaceans from the few animals kept in and. Comes in handy to help Weddell seals can be found below the Antarctic most..., females are sexually mature at 2 to 6 years of age and males 3., meaning they spend their times in water and coming to the of... And front flippers with which they steer and move through the water composed of meat on a vast of. Seal females are slightly larger than males them very agile when in the an. These spots form circular rosette patterns that are golden or umber in at...

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