Southern elephant seals sparring
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Southern elephant seals sparring
Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) male juveniles sparring at the fringes of a breeding group. These juveniles are developing the skills they need to compete with the dominant bulls, who breed with the females in the group and guard them from the attentions of other males. Southern elephant seals live in the open waters of the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. They come to land only to breed and to moult. They feed by diving deep to catch fish and squid. Photographed in Cumberland East Bay, South Georgia
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6329381
© CHARLOTTE MAIN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Animal Behaviour Antarctic Antarctica Atlantic Breeding Coastal Cumberland Bay East Fighting Immature Island Islands Juvenile Juveniles Mammal Marine Life Marine Mammal Mirounga Leonina Pinniped Playing Practicing Re Production Reproductive Seal South Georgia Southern Atlantic Southern Elephant Seal Southern Ocean Sparring Sub Antarctic Wild Wilderness Blubber Elephant Seal Elephant Seals Jousting Phocid Phocidae Play Fight Sea Mammal True Seal True Seals Young Male
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a mesmerizing moment of two Southern elephant seal male juveniles engaging in an intense sparring session on the fringes of a breeding group. These young seals are honing their skills, preparing themselves to compete with the dominant bulls who guard and breed with the females in the group. The Southern elephant seals, known as Mirounga leonina, inhabit the vast open waters of the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. They only come ashore for breeding and molting purposes. Living off deep-sea dives to catch fish and squid, these magnificent creatures epitomize resilience and adaptability. The photograph was taken in Cumberland East Bay, South Georgia - a haven for diverse wildlife. In this snapshot of nature's playground, we witness animal behavior at its finest; playful yet purposeful fighting between these juvenile males. The image showcases not only their wild beauty but also sheds light on their biological significance within marine ecosystems. As true seals belonging to the Phocidae family, they possess remarkable blubber that helps them survive in sub-Antarctic temperatures. This stunning photograph is a testament to both the wonders of marine life and our fascination with it. It serves as a reminder that even amidst harsh conditions like those found near Antarctica's icy shores, life thrives and evolves through generations - each one building upon lessons learned from play fights such as this one captured by Science Photo Library.
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