Southern Elephant Seal vs. Steller Sea Lion

Attribute	Southern Elephant Seal	Steller Sea Lion
Scientific Name	Mirounga leonina	Eumetopias jubatus
Size	Up to 20 feet long	Up to 11 feet long
Weight	Up to 8000 pounds	Up to 2400 pounds
Range	Antarctic region	North Pacific Ocean
Diet	Primarily fish and squid	Primarily fish

Physical Characteristics

Southern Elephant Seals are the largest of all seals, with males reaching lengths of up to 20 feet and weighing as much as 8,800 pounds. They have a distinctive trunk-like nose, which gives them their name. In contrast, Steller Sea Lions are the largest of all sea lions, with males reaching lengths of up to 11 feet and weighing around 2,500 pounds. They have a sleek, streamlined body with a pointed snout.

Habitat

Southern Elephant Seals are found in the Southern Hemisphere, primarily in the waters around Antarctica. They spend most of their time at sea, coming ashore only to breed and molt. Steller Sea Lions, on the other hand, are found in the North Pacific Ocean, from California to Alaska and across to Russia. They prefer rocky coastlines and haul out on beaches and rocky islands.

Diet

Southern Elephant Seals primarily feed on squid and fish, diving to great depths to catch their prey. They can stay underwater for up to two hours at a time. Steller Sea Lions also feed on fish, as well as squid and octopus. They are known for their impressive hunting skills, often working together to herd schools of fish.

Behavior

Southern Elephant Seals are known for their aggressive behavior during the breeding season, with males fighting each other for dominance. They are also known for their loud vocalizations, which can be heard from a great distance. Steller Sea Lions are more social animals, often forming large colonies on rocky shores. They are known for their playful behavior, with individuals often seen interacting with each other.

Conservation Status

Southern Elephant Seals were once hunted for their blubber and oil, leading to a significant decline in their population. However, conservation efforts have helped to increase their numbers, and they are now considered a species of least concern. Steller Sea Lions, on the other hand, have faced a decline in their population due to a variety of factors, including overfishing and habitat loss. They are currently listed as near threatened.