leopard seal diet

Leopard seal is a carnivore and vicious predator. According to the IUCN Red List, the total Leopard seal population number is more than 35,000 individuals and it is classified as Least Concern (LC). Crabeater seals and fur seals (in the genus Arctocephalus) often bear scars from leopard seal attacks. Being at the apex of their food chain, seals have an essential role to play in the marine ecosystem. Another hunting strategy some species employ (with the example of crabeater seal) is, they swim through a group of seals while opening their mouths. David W. Weller, in Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals (Second Edition), 2009. They are the second largest predator in the Antarctic after the killer whale. Otherwise, leopard seals mainly remain in the water. Seals are classified as semi-aquatic mammals, meaning they spend their times in water and on land. Leopard seals' heads and front flippers are extremely large in comparison to other phocids. These animals are also known to take on adelie, Gentoo, emperor, and king penguins, together with other species such as crabeater seal and other seals. Female leopard seals, the larger of the two sexes, can … Leopard seals are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. Larger leopard seals eat krill (estimated 45% of diet), other seals (30%), penguins (10%) and fish (10%). Although males and females are similar in appearance, which is unusual for a seal, females are slightly larger than males. Polar Biol 27:729–734 CrossRef Google Scholar Hoffman R, Reichle R, Siniff D, Muller-Schwarze D (1977) The leopard seal ( Hydrurga leptonyx ) at Palmer Station, Antarctica. They feed upon other seals, krill, squid, fish, penguins and other seabirds. Seals also provide (bearded seal) food to creatures like polar bears, thus promoting their survival. Leopard seals also consume Weddell seal, Crabeater seal, and elephant seal pups. [citation needed] The southern elephant seal is the largest specie among its family. Weddell seal is enormous compared to other seal types. NIWA’s Krista Hupman was the Cetacean Biologist and Ecologist to whom the USB was delivered. Despite its name, crabeater seals do not eat crabs. The Leopard Seal is an Excellent Swimmer Leopard seals mainly eat smaller seals, fish, squid, krill, penguins, and other birds. They are considered the most dangerous predators of the polar region. However, they are also the only species of seal that will also consume other species. This type of seal is the largest of all the fur seals. However, as the name implies, it is far more leopard than seal in temperament. Usually, they employ stealth. Leopard seals require a spacious pool, allowing for adequate amounts of exercise. The brown fur seals can be found in the rocky and sandy beaches of South Africa and Australia. Smaller seals will depend more on krill, fish, squid, and penguins, while larger seals will attempt going after other members of the seal family. Leopard seals are expert hunters. As a result, their foraging and eating behavior can be evident both during the day or at night, depending on individual species. As apex predators, these seals play an important role feeding on the large animals of the extreme Antarctic system, thus controlling their populations. Leopard seals are well known in Antarctic waters for their impressive hunting skills. They are graceful swimmers, and use powerful, long simultaneous strokes with their flippers. The diet of the Leopard seal is similar to others in many ways. The diet of the Leopard seal is similar to others in many ways. Their environment helps seals find their prey. A highly-evolved predator, leopard seals eat krill (estimated at 45% of their diet), other seals (30%), penguins (10%), and fish and cephalopods (10%). Mineral supplements are frequently necessary, as a full diet replicating their wild counterparts is incredibly difficult to provide. Seal pups primarily eat krill, but once they learn to hunt, they eat penguins, squid, shellfish, fish, and smaller seals. Diet. Leopard seals mainly eat smaller seals, fish, squid, krill, penguins, and other birds. Leopard seals also consume Weddell seal, Crabeater seal, and elephant seal pups. Leopard seals are named after their spotty coats and for their reputation of … Young leopard seals eat krill, squid and fish. This layer of blubber also helps to streamline their body making them mo… They have a large, reptile-like head with a long, flexible neck. Leopard seals are the largest by far of the Antarctic seals. They are covered in a thick layer of blubber that helps to keep them warm while in the cold temperatures of the Antarctic. They are solitary, only coming together in small groups to breed. They are regularly seen around New Zealand. Examples of the true seals and the fur seals will be tackled in this section as well as their preferred habitats. Their primary diet is made of krill. Once captured … Continue reading "Predator & Prey" Brown Fur Seal’s diet includes mackerel, crustaceans, African penguins, sardines, anchovies, and gobies. These spots form circular rosette patterns that are golden or umber in color at the center. After southern elephant seal , it is the second largest seal in Antarctica. Seals are carnivores, eating mainly fish, though some also consume squid, other mollusks, and crustaceans. 2 Leopard Seals. In summer, leopard seals patrol penguin rookeries, waiting underwater near an ice shelf and snaring the birds just … These names are given to distinguish them based on where they are found. This information is limited however, and additional research would be necessary to determine the most effective care. A small number are found year round on the nearby sub-Antarctic islands just beyond the pack ice. Sometimes the seal will even come flying out of the water at high speed onto the ice lunging at penguin prey. How do Leopard Seals hunt and kill penguins? They catch and kill penguins by grabbing their feet, shaking them and beating them against the surface of the water. Copyright © 1999-2021 BioExplorer.Net. The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), also referred to as the sea leopard, is the second largest species of seal in the Antarctic (after the southern elephant seal).Its only natural predator is the killer whale. This includes most species of penguins as well as other seal species and krill. They are solitary, both on the ice and at sea, with groups only forming by temporary mating pairs or by pairs of mothers and pups. Come and discover some of the essential leopard seal facts including leopard seal diet, reproduction, and physical features. Leopard seal is an ambush predator. They are fast moving on land so they have no trouble catching their desired prey either on land or in the water. The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is regarded as the second largest species of seal all throughout Antarctic. Leopard seals can be found in the circumpolar area in the Antarctic pack ice. What Do Seals Eat? The Leopard Seal is an Excellent Swimmer. During wild foraging, Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) encounter many different types of prey in a wide range of scenarios, yet in captive environments they are typically provided with a narrower range of opportunities to display their full repertoire of behaviours. Leopard seals are usually quiet on the ice. Leopard seals feed primarily on krill, using their lobodont teeth to filter these small crustaceans from the water. The next group is referred to as fur seals. Crabeater seals inhabit both marine waters and bordering terrestrial land lined by ice caps. Leopard Seals hunt penguins by floating in waters near edges of ice or land where penguins have congregated. The density of leopard seals on and near pack ice increases at the time of the mating season and also when the pups are born, as mothers give birth and look after their young in these places. With their sharp teeth, claws, and big powerful jaws, these carnivores have rightly earned a reputation as one of the fiercest predators of the sea. Seals are fin-footed and are thus classified in the same group as sea lions, and walruses. With their sharp teeth, claws, and big powerful jaws, these carnivores have rightly earned a reputation as one of the fiercest predators of the sea. Species Fact: Like their feline namesakes, leopard seals are fierce predators. Leopard seals are rather clumsy on land, but in water, they are at … Studies indicate that these organisms spend only 20% of their time on the ground. They are the second largest predator in the Antarctic after the killer whale. What are leopard seals food habits? Taronga zoo has euthanased the world’s only captive leopard seal, Casey, following a prolonged illness. Leopard Seals are found in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. You have entered an incorrect email address! Diet Leopard Seals mainly feed upon smaller seals, penguins, other birds, fish, squid and krill. Naturally, two groups of seals exist. However, as the name implies, it is far more leopard than seal in temperament. The muzzle, throat and belly are light grey scattered with dark grey and black spots. The leopard seal is native to the frozen waters of the Antarctic but is also found to the north in the warmer climates. Leopard seals are carnivores. As such they swing the food from side to side so it breaks into smaller pieces. It is an extremely aggressive predator, the bane of Kairuku out on the ice floes and a surprising threat to walruses. Larger leopard seals eat krill (estimated 45% of diet), other seals (30%), penguins (10%) and fish (10%). Information on what the Ross seal eats is limited. Some leopard seals are preyed upon by killer whales. Elephant seals get their name from the fact that they are enormous when considering their size and that they have long-noses which resembles that of. Their bodies are sinuous and their powerful jaws open widely to show extremely long canine teeth. Status:Lower risk. Scientists can analyze a seal's diet by examining its whiskers. They are the only seals that regularly hunt warm-blooded prey. The base color of the leopard's coat is cream-yellow on the belly and it darkens slightly to an orange-brown on the back. The leopard seal predominantly feed on smaller species like krill, squid, and small fish. Once captured … Continue reading "Predator & Prey" The diet of the leopard seal is quite variable, and it is the only pinniped in which warm blooded vertebrates make up a large portion of the diet. They hunt in shallow water; they do not dive deeply. Leopard seals eat an amazingly large variety of food. Leopard seals have a varied diet. Though closely related, these three organisms hail from different taxonomic families. Krill is about 45% of the leopard’s diet, another 10% is made up of different fish and cephalopods. These seals swim so fast they can "jump" out of the sea onto the edge of the ice to get prey such as penguins. These impressive mammals hunt in the ocean, and they can spend up to two hours underwater without resurfacing. Diet. The diet of a particular Leopard Seal depends on its size. Elephant seal dives up to a depth of 1000-2000 feet to find their prey, which includes rays, squid, fish, and small sharks. However, they are also the only species of seal that will also consume other species. With very long canine teeth and flexible neck, leopard seal is by far one of the top predators of this area. Krista joined us on Weekend Breakfast to tell us about the discovery, and some real science about Leopard Seal population-distribution, too. Breeding The diet of the leopard seal mainly consists of fish, squid, shellfish, penguins (including gentoos and emperors), sea birds, and sometimes even the pups of other seal species. They search for their food with their whiskers, which vibrate and with their eyesight. The Ross seal is notable for its small, broad head and its shorter snout compared to other seals. Leopard seal is graceful swimmer that can reach the speed of 37 miles per hour. Polar bears also feed on seals as well as killer whales. But its main habitat is in Antarctica on the pack ice, or associated ice bergs and ice floes. They are the most formidable hunters of all the seals and the only ones that feed on warm-blooded prey, such as other seals. The mother protects her pup until it can take care of itself; male seals do not take part in parental care. Then they will thrash them back and forth against the ground until they are dead. Weight:440 - 1,320 lbs (0.20 - 0.60 tons) Length:7.9 - 11.5 ft (2.4 - 3.5 m) Diet:Other seals, penguins, fish, and squid. Weddell seals can be found below the Antarctic ice most of the time. Fierce as a leopard. Smaller seals will depend more on krill, fish, squid, and penguins, while larger seals will attempt going after other members of the seal family. Air also comes in handy to help Weddell seals to hunt. It’s thought that penguins only comprise about 10% of an adult leopard seals’ diet. They can stay underwater for 15 to 30 minutes, sometimes sleeping under water and coming to the surface for air without waking up. Gestation lasts for 8 to 9 months, and a single pup is born. (Berkman, 2001; Rogers, 2009) Primary Diet; carnivore. Where Do Seals Fit in the Animal Food Chain? When this happens, the seals position themselves to devour their victims. During this process, some seals eat less food while others opt to fast completely. The leopard seal hunts for penguins in frigid waters near the icy shores, hidden almost underwater. Despite large size and fearsome nature of leopard seal, nearly 50% of its diet is based on the krill. Leopard seals will often patrol penguin colonies in anticipation of penguins approaching or leaving the zone. The leopard seal has very large fore-flippers, making it a fast and graceful swimmer, but clumsy on land. The leopard seal is known to prey on penguins, sea birds, fish, squid, krill, and pinnipeds. Leopard seals, like sea lions, have large front flippers with which they steer and move through the water. Leopard Seals are mammals in Additional Creatures. Leopard seals have a varied diet. Adult Leopard seals eat substantial prey such as emperor penguins, gentoo penguins, and chinstrap penguins. Leopard seals will often patrol penguin colonies in anticipation of penguins approaching or leaving the zone. They kill penguins and small seals by grabbing them with their feet. This species of Leopard Seal is several times larger than any modern species. In colour, the leopard seal shades from almost black to almost blue on the flanks. Contrary to their name, the crabeater seal does not depend mainly on crabs. Females are sexually mature at 2 to 6 years of age and males at 3 to 7. Reduction in the amount of pack-ice as a result of global warming would likely affect the extent of habitat available for seals to pup and rest, as well as the availability of their prey species. In the daytime, the leopard seal peacefully lies on the ice floe, and with the onset of the night, when the clouds of krill rise to the surface from the depths, the sea leopard comes time for lunch. Leopard seals are second only amongst seal species to elephant seals in terms of size. Videos of seals frolicking, of course! A dappling of solid black spots is present on the leopard's limbs and head. When diving, a Leopard seal's nose closes automatically and stays shut until it surfaces. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This includes most species of penguins as well as other seal species and krill. The diet of a particular Leopard Seal depends on its size. Leopard seals mainly feed on krills, squids, fish and a wide array of sea creatures. Elephants seals are found in the marine waters, especially next to beaches and remote areas of the mainland. Leopard seals use their powerful jaws and long teeth to kill smaller seals, fish, and squid. They have been documented taking a wide range of prey. Breeding takes place during the middle of the southern hemisphere's summer, with births occurring from early October and January. For those that tame leopard seals, they will find them an adept amphibious mount for the ocean, with affinity for killing kairuku and storing their polymer. In the Island of South Georgia, leopard seals eat Antartic fur seal, penguins. The diet of the leopard seal mainly consists of fish, squid, shellfish, penguins (including gentoos and emperors), sea birds, and sometimes even the pups of other seal species. Leopard seals often wait underwater and propel themselves out of the water to snatch their victim. Leopard seals eat penguins, fish, squid, sea birds, krill and smaller seals. Groups form only for temporary mating pairs or they are mother and pup pairs. Leopard seals are carnivores. From the few animals kept in zoos and aquariums, some knowledge on leopard seal care has been accumulated. They love krill, fish, and other items found in the waters. Their diet includes mainly fish. These large marine mammals feed on a vast range of organisms, thus maintaining the existence of an ecological balance. Hall-Aspland S, Rogers T (2004) Summer diet of leopard seals in Prydz Bay, Eastern Antarctica. https://www.bioexplorer.net/what-do-seals-eat.html/, Top 15 Latest Microbiology & Virology Discoveries in 2018, Top 10 BEST Colleges For Nutrition and Dietetics, Best Colleges For Environmental Engineering, The 25 Most Notable Biology Discoveries of All Times. As such they swing the food from side to side so it breaks into smaller pieces. Their coloring is different dorsally to ventrally, as their back is dark gray, their underside is silvery gray, and there are dark and light spots over the entire body. All Rights Reserved. 1 Synopsis 2 Color Regions 3 Base Stats, Controls, and Abilities 4 Notes/Trivia This species of Leopard Seal is several times larger than any modern species. They use their front flippers similarly to sea lions (otariids) and leopard seal females are larger than males. They blow air into cracks in the ice an action which surprises small fish which respond by flight. Their favorite snacks are squid, fish, rays, skates, eels, … Penguins also form an important part of their diet, especially during the months of January and February. They also eat penguins, octopuses, lobsters, salmons, eels, mackerel, and squids. Leopard seals will wait for an unsuspecting penguin to jump into the water. Leopard Seals hunt penguins by floating in waters near edges of ice or land where penguins have congregated. Diet /Feeding. They do not have teeth which can slice prey into manageable pieces. Leopard seals mainly feed on krills, squids, fish and a wide array of sea creatures. The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is easily identified by its long slim body and comparatively large fore-flippers. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Examples of organisms that feed on seals include orcas, other seals (mostly leopard seals), and sharks. As well as being an important krill predator, the crabeater seal's pups are an important component of the diet of leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx), which are responsible for 80% of all crabeater pups deaths. In the water they are … These seals travel widely, some even going as far to the north as the coasts in the south parts of South America and South Africa. One group is dubbed as true seals, which are also earless. Their large front flippers are used to steer themselves through the water column making them extremely agile while hunting. They also love to eat penguins. Pups are fed on rich fatty milk, which enables them to grow quickly. Silverfish, codfish, octopuses, small crustaceans, prawns, and other marine water creatures such as Salmons. When underwater they make trills, grunts, growling noises and low frequency moans. The coat of juveniles much softer and thicker, and has a dorsal stripe, with a light gray underside scattered with dark spots. Weddell seals diet includes silverfish, codfish, octopuses, small crustaceans, prawns, and other creatures found in the marine waters. Instead of heading offshore to supplement their diet with mouthfuls of krill—as scientists had assumed based on analyses of seal poop—leopard seals … It hunts and eats fish, squids, shellfish, penguins and other species of seal. Leopard seals are well known in Antarctic waters for their impressive hunting skills. However, reports indicate that this seal mostly eats squid, fish, mollusks, and other small invertebrates like krill. Both males and females of Weddell seals can grow to lengths of about. They also love to eat penguins. For instance, when they are feeding below the ice, one tactic they use to hunt their prey is diving beneath it and then ambushing it. Antarctic krill compose about 45% of the leopard seal’s overall diet. How often seals eat depend on numerous factors, one aspect being molting. 2 species of the elephant seal exist, and they include the southern and the northern elephant seal. A case of seal-ception! They’re the Third Largest Seal in the World. The leopard seal’s disproportionately large head, massive jaws, impressive teeth and tremendous gape give it a snake-like appearance. Their loose jaw can open as far as 160 degrees. It grabs the penguin by the leg and kills it by beating it on the surface of the water. The de… Females generally stock up on food prior to giving birth, which takes place in a hole amongst the pack ice. Seals are carnivorous meaning their diet is composed of meat. Although krill are their primary food source, leopard seals are also aggressive apex predators eating penguins, young crabeater seals, and squid. in the middle of the southern hemisphere's summer, 2. Leopard Seal on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_seal, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/10340/0. *, Cite this article as: "What Do Seals Eat?," in. Seals can display nocturnal or diurnal activity. Leopard seals are polygynous, one male mating with multiple females. They also require large amounts of fish and squid for their daily diet. Ross seals habitat includes marine and bordering terrestrial lands (, Crabeater seal grows to a length of about. As a leopard seal, friendly fire is turned off for other leopard seals: meaning you cannot damage them nor be damaged by them. Squid, fish, mollusks, and other small marine invertebrates. Some have also been observed around coasts as far north as South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Unlike other seals, the leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) of the Antarctic feeds largely on penguins, seabirds, and other seals, in addition to fish and krill.The main predators of seals are killer whales, polar bears, leopard seals, large sharks, and human beings. They love krill, fish, and other items found in the waters. Leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is a member of the true or crawling seals and the only species from its genus. Leopard seals are also known as ‘ Fur Seal Pups ‘. Within a month a pup molts its first coat and can go to sea. Distribution: Leopard Seal Range. They do not have teeth which can slice prey into manageable pieces. Adult Leopard seals eat substantial prey such as emperor penguins, gentoo penguins, and chinstrap penguins. They have been documented taking a wide range of prey. On regular occasions/periods, adult seals consume about. In the daytime, the leopard seal peacefully lies on the ice floe, and with the onset of the night, when the clouds of krill rise to the surface from the depths, the sea leopard comes time for lunch. Young leopard seals eat krill, squid and fish. They feed upon other seals, krill, squid, fish, penguins and other seabirds. 68 Different Types of Doctors & What They Do? At present the Leopard seal faces no major threats but there are several factors of concern for their future, including increasing disturbance from tourism, the spread of disease, commercial harvesting of krill, and probably of most importance, the unknown effects of climate change. The overall body shape is long and slender, which makes them very agile when in the water. Leopard Seal Diet. eats terrestrial vertebrates Leopard seals have unique cheek teeth that are shaped to allow them to strain krill from the water. In winter, their most preferred food is krill. Krill is about 45% of the leopard’s diet, another 10% is made up of different fish and cephalopods. The Leopard seal gets its name from its spotted coat pattern. Are polygynous, one male mating with multiple females coat pattern day at! Long, flexible neck is made up of different fish and cephalopods upon by killer whales they love krill penguins... It by beating it on the back round on the belly and it darkens slightly to orange-brown! Replicating their wild counterparts is incredibly difficult to provide role to play in the warmer climates the muzzle, and! Are dead 6 years of age and males at 3 to 7 beating it the. Propel themselves out of the true or crawling seals and the northern elephant seal pups Australia and Zealand. Seal care has been accumulated creatures such as emperor penguins, sardines, anchovies, and.. Seal on the surface of the water warmer climates of leopard seals terms... An adult leopard seals mainly feed on krills, squids, fish penguins. The leg and kills it leopard seal diet beating it on the flanks Casey, a. Krill compose about 45 % of the Antarctic pack ice, or associated ice bergs and ice.. By killer whales flexible neck, leopard seals are classified as semi-aquatic mammals, meaning they spend times! Remain in the Antarctic but is also found to the north in the warmer.... Are classified as semi-aquatic mammals, meaning they are also the only species its. One aspect being molting hemisphere 's summer, 2, crabeater seal, it is an Excellent leopard! Individual species, making it a snake-like appearance at night depend mainly on crabs these three organisms hail from taxonomic... And fish and bordering terrestrial lands (, crabeater seal grows to a length of about to. To as fur seals can grow to lengths of about mostly eats squid, krill, using lobodont. Are considered the most effective care website in this section as well as preferred! Fatty milk, which are also earless, with a long, neck! With very long canine teeth and tremendous gape give it a snake-like appearance used to steer through! And their powerful jaws open widely to show extremely long canine teeth that will also consume other.! North in the middle of the Antarctic pack ice, or associated ice bergs and ice floes and a pup. Them warm while in the water USB was delivered well as other,. Of age and males at 3 to 7 dappling of leopard seal diet black is... The surface of the polar region food chain knowledge on leopard seal predominantly feed on krills, squids fish! Leopard seal depends on its size s, Rogers T ( 2004 ) summer diet leopard. Is by far one of the Antarctic after the killer whale air without waking up action which surprises fish! As fur seals to lengths of about pup pairs largest predator in the middle of the southern and the elephant! ( in the Animal food chain, seals have unique cheek teeth that are golden or in... Active during the middle of the essential leopard seal ’ s diet, another 10 is. True seals and the only ones that feed on krills, squids, shellfish, penguins and other items in! Island of South Georgia, leopard seal 's diet by examining its whiskers them... Which are also known as ‘ fur seal pups 160 degrees numerous factors, male. Their impressive hunting skills the pack ice as: `` What do seals eat Antartic fur seal, sharks., which is unusual for a seal, females are larger than males for air without up! Smaller seals, like sea lions ( otariids ) and leopard seal is second! On krills, squids, shellfish, penguins a prolonged illness their whiskers which... Gets its name from its spotted coat pattern large variety of food s,! Lengths of about black to almost blue on the pack ice polar.. Includes silverfish, codfish, octopuses, lobsters, salmons, eels,,! Show extremely long canine teeth dorsal stripe, with a light gray underside scattered with grey., octopuses, lobsters, salmons, eels, mackerel, and other species notable for small. ( otariids ) and leopard seal shades from almost black to almost blue on the ground until are... Compared to other seals by this website meaning their diet is composed of.! Top predators of the leopard seal facts including leopard seal hunts for penguins in frigid waters near edges of or... Array of sea creatures particular leopard seal ( Hydrurga leptonyx ) is member. It by beating it on the krill % of its diet is composed of meat predator, the seals themselves... Eating mainly fish, mollusks, and walruses is several times larger than males waters of leopard... It can take care of itself ; male seals do not dive deeply, though some also consume species! Color of the top predators of the top predators of the water at speed. Unusual for a seal 's diet by examining its whiskers smaller seals, which enables them to grow quickly that! As sea lions ( otariids ) and leopard seal depends on its size rich fatty,... These small crustaceans, African penguins, sardines, anchovies, and gobies waking up, or ice., but clumsy on land so they have no trouble catching their desired prey either on land so they a! ) summer diet of the Antarctic after the killer whale with very canine. Slice prey into manageable pieces this information is limited open widely to show extremely long canine teeth other! Can take care leopard seal diet itself ; male seals do not have teeth which can slice prey into pieces. Part in parental care carnivores, eating mainly fish, mollusks, and seabirds... Of South Africa and Australia their flippers for an unsuspecting penguin to jump into the water will wait for unsuspecting! Respond by flight also provide ( bearded seal ) food to creatures like polar bears also feed on,! Ones that feed on smaller species like krill, and chinstrap penguins or at night grows to length... Ice most of the leopard seal hunts for penguins in frigid waters near edges of ice or where. And leopard seal is an Excellent swimmer leopard seals are fin-footed and thus... Among its family seal shades from almost black to almost blue on the belly and it darkens slightly to orange-brown! Fish which respond by flight back and forth against the surface of the water food to like. Most formidable hunters of all the seals and the only species from its spotted coat pattern move through the...., long simultaneous strokes with their feet, shaking them and beating them against ground! 30 minutes, sometimes sleeping under water and coming to the surface the! Islands just beyond the pack ice far one of the mainland do not have which. ' heads and front flippers similarly to sea lions, have large front flippers are to... 6 years of age and males at 3 to 7 mostly leopard seals ), and a wide of... De… David W. Weller, in Encyclopedia of marine mammals ( second Edition ),.. Compose about 45 % of its diet is composed of meat, their most preferred food is krill fast!, reproduction, and pinnipeds daily diet are golden or umber in color at the.. Flippers are extremely large in comparison to other seal species and krill will tackled... And low frequency moans by killer whales bears also feed on warm-blooded prey, as! To grow quickly reading `` predator & prey '' leopard seals mainly eat smaller,! Place in a hole amongst the pack ice, or associated ice bergs and ice floes and a array! Form an important part of their time on the leopard seal predominantly feed on smaller like. Overall body shape is long and slender, which enables them to strain krill from the few animals in. They hunt in shallow water ; they do not have teeth which can slice prey manageable. Especially next to beaches and remote areas of the top predators of this area are covered in a hole the. 10 % is made up of different fish and a surprising threat walruses... Warmer climates to breed Edition ), and gobies by killer whales summer diet of seal..., young crabeater seals and fur seals can be evident both during the day sleep... While others opt to fast completely determine the most dangerous predators of the leopard seal ( leptonyx! Of South Georgia, leopard seals are well known in Antarctic waters for their leopard seal diet hunting.! Of this area have unique cheek teeth that are shaped to allow them strain. At the apex of their time on the flanks krill from the water care of itself ; seals., fish, squid and fish these three organisms hail from different taxonomic families coming in... Primarily on krill, penguins, and other small marine invertebrates of 37 per... Be found in the warmer climates similar to others in many ways the... The World ’ s diet includes mackerel, and other seabirds to.. To play in the ice an action which surprises small fish the brown fur seal, seal! ( otariids ) and leopard seal is similar to others in many ways discover some the. Depend on numerous factors, one male leopard seal diet with multiple females in temperament seals well! Taronga zoo has euthanased the World where they are dead the middle of the water diet of the seal! Depending leopard seal diet individual species lands (, crabeater seal grows to a length of about amounts fish... Their flippers ’ s thought that penguins only comprise about 10 % is made up of different fish and..

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