African Bush Elephant vs. Southern Elephant Seal

Attribute	African Bush Elephant	Southern Elephant Seal
Scientific Name	Loxodonta africana	Mirounga leonina
Size	Up to 13 feet tall and 24,000 pounds	Up to 16 feet long and 8,800 pounds
Habitat	African savannas and forests	Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions
Diet	Herbivorous, mainly feeding on grasses, leaves, and fruits	Piscivorous, feeding on fish and squid
Lifespan	Average of 60-70 years	Average of 20-22 years

Physical Attributes

The African Bush Elephant, also known as the African savanna elephant, is the largest land animal on Earth. They have long, curved tusks and large ears that resemble the shape of the African continent. Adult males can weigh up to 12,000 pounds and stand over 10 feet tall at the shoulder. In contrast, the Southern Elephant Seal is the largest seal species, with adult males reaching lengths of up to 20 feet and weighing as much as 8,800 pounds. They have a thick layer of blubber to keep them warm in cold waters and large, inflatable noses that they use to make loud vocalizations.

Habitat

African Bush Elephants are found in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in savannas, grasslands, and forests. They require a large amount of space to roam and forage for food, which is why they are often found in national parks and reserves. Southern Elephant Seals, on the other hand, are found in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. They spend most of their time at sea, coming ashore only to breed and molt. They are well adapted to life in the cold waters of the Antarctic region.

Diet

African Bush Elephants are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plant matter including grasses, leaves, bark, and fruits. They can consume up to 300 pounds of food in a single day. Southern Elephant Seals, on the other hand, are carnivores, feeding primarily on fish and squid. They are deep divers, capable of reaching depths of over 5,000 feet in search of food. Their diet is rich in protein and fat, which helps them maintain their large size and energy reserves.

Social Structure

African Bush Elephants live in matriarchal herds, led by the oldest and most experienced female. These herds can consist of up to 100 individuals, including adult females and their offspring. Adult males are usually solitary or form small bachelor groups. Southern Elephant Seals, on the other hand, are more solitary animals, coming together only during the breeding season. Adult males establish dominance through physical displays and vocalizations, competing for access to females.

Reproduction

African Bush Elephants have a long gestation period of around 22 months, the longest of any land animal. Females give birth to a single calf, which is cared for by the mother and other females in the herd. Calves are dependent on their mothers for several years before becoming independent. Southern Elephant Seals have a much shorter gestation period of around 11 months. Females give birth to a single pup, which they nurse for about a month before weaning. Pups are left on the beach while the mother goes to sea to feed, returning periodically to nurse.

Conservation Status

African Bush Elephants are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They face threats from habitat loss, poaching for their ivory tusks, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their populations and habitats. Southern Elephant Seals, on the other hand, are listed as least concern by the IUCN. Their populations have rebounded since the end of commercial sealing in the 20th century, and they are now protected in many areas. Climate change and competition for food from commercial fisheries are potential threats to their populations.