A Fierce predator in the Southern Ocean – Leopard Seals
Article by –Prasadi Attanayake
Ever heard of leopard seals? They are mammals who resides beyond our continent making an unmatched contribution for a balanced food web in the Antarctic Ocean eco system.
As the name suggests, one of the most known predators in the southern ocean are leopard seals or Hydrurga leptonyx.
It has a black-spotted pattern quite similar to that of a leopard but in a coat of grey fur. They are earless seals, posses’ long bodies (10-11.5ft) and elongated heads. Leopard seals are adapted to live in their frigid environment with a thick layer of fat known as blubber. They can be regarded as one of the largest seals in the world. The female is larger than the male and can weigh up to 590 kg and grows up to 3m in length. They have specialized streamlined bodies that facilitate them to move in water.
They are naturally born hunters; mostly prefer penguins, Antarctic krill, squid, fish and also seabirds as well. But they can prey and feed on other species of seals too.
These hunters prefer to work alone. Often, they are not seen in groups. But when the breeding season arrives, their behavior changes and individuals will aggregate into groups. It is said that these seals tend to ‘play’ with their prey. Another characteristic behavior of these leopard seals is that they spend many days singing beneath water, and it is considered as a part of their breeding behavior.
They are remarkable hunters, they have developed claws along the edges of their fins and possess a powerful jaw, which enables them to grab the fish or squid from water. Leopard Seals have a special arrangement in their jaws. They have large canines designed to latch onto prey.
These leopard seals have very few predators, among them, the killer whale can be considered as the most threatening one. But once escaped from the attack they can live up to 26 years. They can be aggressive and attack humans too but it is not seen frequently. Leopard seals are categorized as Least Concern as their conservation status by the IUCN.
Leopard seals can be considered as one of the important species which help to maintain the unique Antarctic ecosystem.
Reference – Oceanwide Expeditions
