Southern Elephant Seal Moulting
by British Antarctic Survey/science Photo Library
Title
Southern Elephant Seal Moulting
Artist
British Antarctic Survey/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Southern elephant seal moulting. This species of seal (Mirounga leonina) comes ashore in summer to moult. Juveniles, as seen here, arrive earlier in the season. Moulting involves shedding the fur and outer epidermis (skin) to reveal a new coat. The trunk-like proboscis which gives the seal its name is found only in adult males. The southern elephant seal spends 10 months of the year diving to forage for food. Its main prey is squid. Apart from moulting, the seal only comes ashore to breed. Photographed on South Georgia Island.
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February 24th, 2021
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