What do leopard seals need to survive in Antarctica?
Other than hunting adaptations (discussed below), leopard seals have adaptations suited to living in a cold marine environment. This includes a sleek and streamlined body that is very muscular – but more importantly – blubber for the cold. They have slits for their noses to keep water out when diving.
Where are leopard seals most commonly found?
Antarctic pack
Range. Leopard seals primarily inhabit the Antarctic pack ice but, during autumn and winter animals disperse northward throughout the Southern Ocean, sometimes visiting New Zealand. Auckland and Campbell islands are known to have leopard seals annually and the mainland regularly receives visitors.
Do leopard seals spend the whole year in Antarctica?
Leopard Seal Habitat During the Antarctic summer (November–April), leopard seals hunt among the pack ice surrounding the Antarctic continent, spending almost all of their time (except for breeding) in the water. In the winter (May–October) they range northward to the sub-Antarctic islands.
Do leopard seals kill sharks?
Scientists have reported multiple cases of cape fur seals attacking blue sharks off the coast of South Africa. The seals, which are normally prey for great white sharks, have been seen attacking and killing medium-sized blue sharks, devouring their guts before leaving the rest of the carcass.
Where are leopard seals found in the Antarctic?
Leopard seals are solitary animals that inhabit pack-ice surrounding the Antarctic continent. They are perhaps the greatest wanderers of the Antarctic seals with sightings in Tasmania and a northern record at Heron Island.
What do you need to know about leopard seals?
Danger Beneath the Water: 10 Facts About Leopard Seals If your sense of adventure takes you on an Antarctic cruise, you may be lucky enough to cross paths with a leopard seal. They’re amazing creatures to observe in and out of the water, and a quintessential aspect of an Antarctic experience. Partners login
Why are Antarctic seals important to the environment?
But Antarctic fur seals have dense, waterproof fur that helps them to stay warm both on land and at sea. While underwater, the shape of their fur even creates a layer of air that provides extra warmth and means they can dry out faster once back on land. As with many of the seals that live in Antarctica, fur seals are an indicator species.
What kind of predators do leopard seals have?
Leopard seals have few natural predators It is not easy maintaining a long and healthy lifestyle in the wilds of Antarctica, and leopard seals are lucky to have not only a generalized diet but also few predators. Orcas (killer whales) are currently the only recognized predator of leopard seals.