Weddell Seals
Weddell seals, also known as Leptonychotes weddelli, are the largest seals in Antarctica. Weddell seals have a family name called “phocidae” and a group name called “pod”.
The appearance of a Weddell seal is adorable. They have silver grey fur and smooth bodies with white splotches. They also have hind flippers and a thick neck. Weddell seals have a dog-like-face with sensory whiskers, dark eyes, closable nostrils and sharp canine teeth that can break through the cold ice.
The appearance of a Weddell seal is adorable. They have silver grey fur and smooth bodies with white splotches. They also have hind flippers and a thick neck. Weddell seals have a dog-like-face with sensory whiskers, dark eyes, closable nostrils and sharp canine teeth that can break through the cold ice.
Habitat
A Weddell seals habitat is in the South Pole, which is Antarctica. It usually settles on pack ice, near the shore. Weddell seals stay in large groups (pod). During winter they survive under the ice but in summer they are most likely to be found on the ice in a Pod.
Movement
Weddell seals are very agile. If Weddell seals were on the ice they use their hind flippers to slide on to their belly.
They are mostly found in water because they are very good swimmers. When they call friends or family underwater they can be heard from above the ice. They can dive 700m and hold their breath for 1 hour. They live up to 30 years
old.
They are mostly found in water because they are very good swimmers. When they call friends or family underwater they can be heard from above the ice. They can dive 700m and hold their breath for 1 hour. They live up to 30 years
old.
Diet
Weddell seals are the secondary consumers because they are hunted by killer whales. They are carnivores and feed at night. A Weddell seals diet consists of fish, squid, and crustaceans and sometimes they even eat penguins.
The reproduction of a Weddell sounds difficult. The males have to fight to reproduce with the female. When Weddell
seals are born, they weigh 60kg. They also grow fast. When they are growing, they put on weight until they are adults,
then they weigh up to 450kg.
seals are born, they weigh 60kg. They also grow fast. When they are growing, they put on weight until they are adults,
then they weigh up to 450kg.
Dangers
There is one danger with Weddell seals: if you get too close to them, they have sharp canine teeth and they will bite. When being approached, they roll on to their backs, unlike crabeater seals that open their mouths and snort.
Weddell seals do not migrate. They remain amongst the pack ice year round. Their predators are orcas (killer whales) and
leopard seals. Weddell seals make all sorts of noises like burping and yawning.
leopard seals. Weddell seals make all sorts of noises like burping and yawning.
Conclusion
Weddell seals are one of the most important pieces of the puzzle, Antarctica’s food chain. This valuable creature is unique and magnificent. We need to protect this living fauna.