Wildlife
Southern elephant seal males weigh 8 to 10 times more than females, which is the biggest weight difference of any mammal. Both sexes can dive very deep, and regularly reach depths between 400 to 1,500 metres. They can even sleep underwater.
Scientific name: Mirounga leonina
Rank: Species
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Penguins dodge beachmasters
King penguins move quickly to avoid a four tonne seal.
When a four tonne elephant seal charges across a crowded beach, king penguins must get their little legs moving at top speed to get out of the way.
Mating rights
Male beachmasters fight in defence of their harem.
Male beachmasters fight in defence of their harem.
Bull beachmasters
Bull elephant seals fight for control of their harems.
Voted as one of the favourite David Attenborough moments, this clip shows exactly how big a bull elephant seal is, by the simple method of having Sir David stand next to one as he delivers his narration - and then to rapidly retreat as it decides it's not too keen on him!
Glorious mud
Elephant seals wallow in mud during their annual moult.
Elephant seals wallow in mud during their annual moult.
The Southern Elephant Seal can be found in a number of locations including: Antarctica. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Southern Elephant Seal distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Least Concern
Population trend: Unknown
Year assessed: 2008
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
The southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) is one of the two extant species of elephant seals. It is both the largest pinniped and member of the order Carnivora living today, as well as the largest Antarctic seal. The seal gets its name from its great size and the large proboscis of the adult males, which is used to make extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating season.
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Coastal
Intertidal zone
Shallow seas
Open ocean
Adapted to swimming
Carnivorous
Hierarchical
Nomadic
Polygynous
Active at birth
Social
Territorial
Visual communication
Viviparous