Southern Elephant Seal vs. Walrus
What's the Difference?
The Southern Elephant Seal and Walrus are both large marine mammals that can be found in cold, coastal waters. However, there are some key differences between the two species. The Southern Elephant Seal is known for its massive size, with males reaching lengths of up to 20 feet and weighing over 8,000 pounds, making them the largest seal species in the world. In contrast, the Walrus is slightly smaller, with males typically reaching lengths of 10-12 feet and weighing around 2,000-3,700 pounds. Another notable difference is their physical appearance, with the Southern Elephant Seal having a long, trunk-like proboscis and the Walrus possessing long tusks that can grow up to 3 feet in length. Despite these differences, both species are well adapted to their aquatic environments and play important roles in their respective ecosystems.
Comparison
| Attribute | Southern Elephant Seal | Walrus |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mirounga leonina | Odobenus rosmarus |
| Size | Up to 20 feet long | Up to 12 feet long |
| Weight | Up to 8000 kg | Up to 1900 kg |
| Habitat | Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters | Arctic and sub-Arctic waters |
| Diet | Primarily fish and squid | Clams, mussels, and other benthic invertebrates |
Further Detail
Physical Appearance
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 is how they got their name. Their bodies are covered in a thick layer of blubber to help them stay warm in cold waters. In contrast, Walruses are slightly smaller, with males reaching lengths of up to 12 feet and weighing around 3,700 pounds. They have long tusks that can grow up to 3 feet long, which they use for various purposes.
Habitat
Southern Elephant Seals are found in the cold waters of the Southern Ocean, primarily around Antarctica. They spend most of their time at sea, only coming ashore to breed and molt. Walruses, on the other hand, are found in the Arctic Ocean and the subarctic seas. They prefer shallow waters near the coast where they can easily find their favorite food, clams and other shellfish.
Diet
Southern Elephant Seals primarily feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are deep divers, capable of reaching depths of over 5,000 feet in search of food. Walruses, on the other hand, have a more specialized diet of clams, mussels, and other shellfish. They use their sensitive whiskers to detect prey on the ocean floor and their strong tusks to break open shells.
Social Structure
Southern Elephant Seals are solitary animals for most of the year, only coming together during the breeding season. Males establish dominance through physical displays and vocalizations. In contrast, Walruses are more social animals, often forming large herds on ice floes. They communicate through a variety of vocalizations and physical gestures.
Reproduction
Southern Elephant Seals have a polygynous mating system, where dominant males mate with multiple females. Males will fight each other for access to females, often resulting in scars and injuries. Walruses also have a polygynous mating system, with dominant males mating with multiple females in a harem. They use their tusks to establish dominance and defend their territory.
Conservation Status
Southern Elephant Seals were once hunted for their blubber and fur, leading to a significant decline in their population. However, conservation efforts have helped their numbers recover, and they are now considered a species of least concern. Walruses, on the other hand, are facing threats from climate change and habitat loss. They are currently classified as vulnerable, with their population declining due to shrinking sea ice and human activities.
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