# Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina)

- Web page: https://www.funwildfacts.com/norden/mammal/southern-elephant-seal
- Published: 2026-02-28
- Last updated: 2026-02-28

## Overview

The southern elephant seal is the largest seal species in the world and exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with males weighing up to ten times more than females. Males are recognizable by their large inflatable proboscis-like noses used to amplify vocalizations during the breeding season. The species has thick skin with sparse fur that provides protection against cold and physical damage from rivals. Southern elephant seals are remarkable divers, capable of reaching depths exceeding 1500 meters in pursuit of fish and squid. They spend the majority of their lives at sea and only return to land to breed, give birth, and molt. As apex predators they play a vital ecological role in the southern ocean ecosystem.

## Quick facts

- Weight: 400–2200 kg
- Length: 2.6–6 m
- Lifespan: 9–22 yrs
- Diet: Carnivore
- Conservation Status: Least Concern

## Habitat

Southern elephant seals inhabit the subantarctic and Antarctic oceans, gathering on sandy beaches and rocky coastlines on islands such as South Georgia, Kerguelen, and Macquarie Island to breed and pup. At sea they traverse vast open ocean expanses in search of prey.

- Coast
- Ocean

## Seasonal Behavior

Males arrive on breeding beaches from September onwards to establish territories before females arrive to give birth and are mated again shortly after. During summer and autumn the seals spend extended periods at sea foraging to rebuild fat reserves depleted during their time on land.

## Breeding

- Gestation: 335 days
- Offspring: 1–1 

## Behavior & Ecology

- Activity Pattern: Diurnal
- Social Behavior: During the breeding season, hundreds of animals congregate on beaches where dominant males called beachmasters control harems of up to 50 females, engaging in violent battles to maintain their status. Outside the breeding season the species is largely solitary at sea.
- Migration: Migratory
- Population: The global population of southern elephant seals is estimated at approximately 650000 individuals and the species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. The largest concentration is found on South Georgia island.

## Did you know?

- Male southern elephant seals can weigh up to 2200 kg, making them the heaviest carnivorous land mammals in the Southern Hemisphere.
- They can hold their breath for up to 2 hours and dive to depths of 1500 meters while hunting squid and fish.
- During the molting period on land, the animals can fast for up to three months living entirely off their fat reserves.
- The male's inflatable nose acts as a resonating chamber that dramatically amplifies roaring calls used to intimidate rival males.

## Taxonomy

- Kingdom: Animalia
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Phocidae
- Species: Mirounga leonina

## Image

- URL: https://images.djurfakta.com/animals/sydlig-sjoelefant/1772272736319-1.jpg
- Photo: Antoine Lamielle
- License: CC BY-SA 4.0

## Other languages

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