Leopard Seals are mammals who live on land in water in Antarctica. They are called “leopard” because of their spots on their fur. Their scientific name is Hydrarga.
Leopard Seals grow up to 3 metres in length and they can weigh up to 350 kilograms. The Hydrarga has grey fur and black spots. It also has sharp teeth to bite their prey. Leopard Seals have flippers to help them move around on land and in the water. They have long whiskers to sense their predators.
Look at those big teeth!
Look at those big teeth!
These seals are hunted by humans and killer whales. Humans hunt for seals skin to make clothes or blankets. Killer whales hunt for Seals for their survival. Leopard Seals rarely get preyed upon because of their size, but their biggest treat is Killer Whales.
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These 2 men are cutting the skin of Leopard Seals
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The Leopard Seal wanders around Antarctica looking for food. Leopard Seals eat Kill, Squid and even larger animals like Penguins and young Crabeater Seals. These Seals can eat anything! Leopard Seals kill penguins by holding them upside down and whacking them to the surface of the Antactic water.
Leopard Seals are found in the south hemisphere, in Antarctica. They spend most of their time sleeping on pack-ice. The Hydrarga moves to collect food for their survival at the banana belt.
This is the what the pack-ice looks like in Antarctica.
This is the what the pack-ice looks like in Antarctica.
The Hydrarga call their baby seals pups. Seals breed in a group between November and January. The mother Seal digs a hole, staying in that hole for 9 months waiting for the pup. Once the pup is old enough the pup leaves it’s mother read to start a family of it’s own.
This is what a pup looks like, isn't it adorable?
This is what a pup looks like, isn't it adorable?
Leopard Seals are interesting animals and they should be taken care of. In order to protect the food chain people need to respect and not hurts these seals.