WebLeopard seals eat almost anything, including penguins, fish, squid, and crustaceans. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); It is time to learn about the dreaded leopard seals which have by scientific name Hydrurga Leptonyx. Rome. Groups form only for temporary mating pairs or they are mother and pup pairs. Activity Time Budget during Foraging Trips of Emperor Penguins, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T10340A45226422.en, "Marine Species Identification Portal: Leopard seal - Hydrurga leptonyx", "Leopard seal sightings in New Zealand on the rise", "Antarctic Leopard seal turns up on Wellington's Lyall bay beach", "Responses of Antarctic pack-ice seals to environmental change and increasing krill fishing", "Spatial patterns in activity of leopard seals Hydrurga leptonyx in relation to sea ice", "Density Can Be Misleading for Low-Density Species: Benefits of Passive Acoustic Monitoring", "Hunting and social behaviour of leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) at Seal Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica", "POV: Why Are Leopard Seals Eating Fur Seal Pups? Like the crabeater seals, leopard seals have unusual teeth for straining krill from the water. Leopard seals are also known to take fur seal pups. Gestation Approximately 11 months; with about 1.6 months delayed implantation; pups are 1.0 to 1.6 m (3 to 5 ft.) in length and weigh 30 to 35 kg (66 to 77 lbs.) Apparently not invading their space or their loneliness seems to be the only requirement not to agitate them. Thereafter, the female breastfeeds them with their nutritious milk getting them to rise quickly in weight, so that they can head to the sea in an autonomous way in two or three weeks, then molting their first fur. Image credit: NOAA/SWFSC. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), scientists once believed there may be over 200,000 leopard seals. ThoughtCo, Sep. 1, 2021, thoughtco.com/leopard-seal-facts-4155875. When they can swim alone their mother stops feeding them and starts looking for her own food. Leopard seals whiskers feel for fish in the dark.It helps the leopard seal by finding food. Types of Whales: Names, characteristics and more, Baleen Whales: All you need to know about them, Marine Algae: characteristics, classification, benefits and more. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. Scientists can analyze a seal's diet by examining its whiskers. Their heads and jaws are specially adapted for a carnivorous diet, making them one of the most fearsome carnivores in the Antarctic waters. Brown and another researcher, Richard Burt, were snorkeling in the water. An error occurred trying to load this video. NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Laboratory Marine Mammal Education Lab. One flipper can be held out of the water so the wind passes over its surface. Downloaded on 26 September 2018. Solitary animals are those that live singly and meet only for courtship and mating. This species reach its sexual maturity between 3 and 7 years of age, although sometimes females 2 years old are already sexually mature. Sometimes they are found along the southern coasts of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Seals have more blood than land animals of a similar size, plus more hemoglobin to carry oxygen. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "797ee12dd01ed0d3ff046cb99758d992" );document.getElementById("cbd61a422a").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. London. Differences between the Leopard Seals and the Sea lions, Machas Clams: Characteristics, habitat, threats and more, What do sea crabs eat: Characteristics and habits of these crustaceans, Amazon Pink Dolphin: A wonderful southamerican tale, Starfish: Characteristics, reproduction, habitat, types and more, The Anatomy of Fish: Classification, body parts and more, Nori Seaweed: Properties, preparation and much more. They are primarily shallow divers but they do dive deeper than 80 meters in search for food. Leopard seals feast on fish, squid, shellfish, penguins, sea birds, and smaller seals. The male leopard seal does not participate in taking care of the pup, and goes back to its solitary lifestyle after the breeding season. Hydrurga leptonyx. Their sight and smell senses are highly developed compared to other species of seals, which makes of them a dangerous predator for different kind of prey. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Leopard seals are usually quiet on the ice. Their loose jaw can open as far as 160 degrees. [11] Their hearing in air is similar to that of a human, but scientists have noted that leopard seals use their ears in conjunction with their whiskers to track prey under water. Leopard seals have unique cheek teeth that are shaped to allow them to strain krill from the water. Leopards' short, muscular legs are adapted to help them run fast, similar to a car, so they can chase and capture even the quickest prey. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you Shellfish are a far less dramatic prey but still an important part of the leopard seal's diet. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. [7] The front teeth are sharp like those of other carnivores, but their molars lock together in a way that allows them to sieve krill from the water in the manner of the crabeater seal. This website helped me pass! Seals also use Antarctica's solar energy to heat up which can be a bad thing on warm days! habitat and more, Ghost-Crystal Shrimps: Everything you should know about them. These seals are characterized by being large and very voluptuous in terms of muscles, and their skin color may vary but they are mostly dark gray in the upper part of their body, while their abdomen is light gray with dark or black spots which resemble the spots that leopards have. WebLeopard seals have developed some neat adaptations to help them cope with their environment. [21] Known mo A piscivore is a carnivorous animal that eats primarily fish. Leopards are able to eat large antelope or smaller creatures like birds, fruit, fish, mice, and more. The leopard seal's habitat overlaps that of other seals. 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. Photograph by Rodrigo G., National Geographic Your Shot, Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Gestation Approximately 11 months; with about 1.6 months delayed implantation; pups are 1.0 to 1.6 m (3 to 5 ft.) in length and weigh 30 to 35 kg (66 to 77 lbs.) Mating takes place in the water, and then the male leaves the female to care for the pup, which the female gives birth to after an average gestation period of 274 days. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T10340A45226422. Leopard Seals have a special arrangement in their jaws. Professor Boyd claimed that leopard seal attacks on humans were extremely rare but warned that they may potentially become more common due to increased human presence in Antarctica. [17][11][18] These matrilineal groups can move further north in the austral winter to sub-antarctic islands and the coastlines of the southern continents to provide care for their pups. Environmental changes have dramatically affected species the seals eat, so this number is likely inaccurate. This is why they are considered as fearsome predators and represent a big threat to the other species that inhabit the areas where they develop. Co-operative hunting of leopard seals on Antarctic fur seal pups has been witnessed, which could be a mother helping her older pup, or could also be female-male couple interactions, to increase their hunting productivity. Some have also been observed around coasts as far north as South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Leopards are also nocturnal animals, which means that they're awake at night. WebThe 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). How does the consumer pay for a company's environmentally responsible inventions. They often wait underwater near an ice shelf and snare the birds just as they enter the water after jumping off the ice. [15][16], Most leopard seals remain within the pack ice throughout the year and remain solitary during most of their lives with the exception of a mother and her newborn pup. It is called "thermoregulation". Leopards usually live alone in a territory and can eat a variety of different foods, so their food won't become scarce, or hard to find. Seals have slits for nostrils that naturally close under water - and they shut even tighter with increased water pressure. FAO Species Identification Guide. [39] They are covered in a thick layer of blubber that helps to keep them warm while in the cold temperatures of the Antarctic. This information can be obtained by scientists by attaching transmitters to the seals after they are tranquilized on the ice. It feeds on a wide range of prey including cephalopods, other pinnipeds, krill, fish, and birds, particularly penguins. However, it has been difficult to study their communicating way properly, but it is known that males perform a sortof vocalization when they are in need of mating, specifically before courting the female and after breeding. Thats 18 teeth on the top and 20 on the bottom. These animals can sniff it out. [4] It feeds on a wide range of prey including cephalopods, other pinnipeds, krill, fish, and birds, particularly penguins. The leopard seal is earless, about 10 to 12 feet long (females slightly larger than males), weighs between 800 and 1000 pounds, and always seems to be smiling because the edges of its mouth curl upward. Seals have more blood than land animals of a similar size, plus more hemoglobin to carry oxygen. Leopard seals live in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters of the Ross Sea, Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, South Georgia, and Falkland Islands. As apex predators, these seals play an important role feeding on the large animals of the extreme Antarctic system, thus controlling their populations. In this respect their way of perceiving threats, is by means of recognizing the vibrations in the soils or in the water, what alerts them of the existence of threats or a nearby prey. They are highly carnivorous mammals that belong to the family of the true seals. Leopards are excellent hunters, which helps them capture large prey to eat, like antelopes. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? In colour, the leopard seal shades from almost black to almost blue on the flanks. They can even capture land prey. Their body is shaped to go through the water with a minimum of resistance. Leopard Seal Facts. All rights reserved. The estimated population of this species ranges from 220,000 to 440,000 individuals, putting leopard seals at "least concern". Academic Press, 1981. Scientists attach this device usually to the head of the animal and it records depth, bottom time, total dive time, date and time, surface time, haul out time, pitch and roll, and total number of dives. That's another underwater adaptation. Reeves, R.R., Stewart, B.S. Though the leopard seal is known for its coat, it has not been commercially hunted for its skin like its fur seal relatives. Seal pups primarily eat krill, but once they learn to hunt, they eat penguins, squid, shellfish, fish, and smaller seals. Gestation lasts between 9 and 13 months and the offspring are born with one and a half meter in length and about 25 kilograms of weight. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. [30], Vocalization is thought to be important in breeding, since males are much more vocal around this time. On the contrary the sea lions are born immediately with a brown or dark gray skin which almost doesnt change over the years. Tiffany is a certified elementary school teacher. At sea and on the ice, Leopard Seals tend to be solitary. The male seals produce loud calls (153 to 177dB re 1Pa at 1m) for many hours each day. They do this by 'sailing'. Their diet is varied and is made up of different species of fish and crustaceans, but if there is something that differentiates them is that they even feed on other types of seals. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. The timing of activity by an animal depends A carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a A molluscivore is a carnivorous animal that specializes in feeding on molluscs such as gastropods, bivalves, brachiopods, and cephalopods. Because of a custom-designed mouth and larynx, they can even eat while underwater without sucking sea water!Ever notice how big a seal's eyes are? Sometimes they are found along the southern coasts of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.The leopard seal's habitat overlaps that of other seals. Leopard seals can be found in the circumpolar area in the Antarctic pack ice. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? Leopard seals are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. That means a seal can carry a lot more oxygen for its body weight. 2) Leopard cubs can follow their mother at night because of their mother's __________. I feel like its a lifeline. Webber. Their heads and jaws are specially adapted for a carnivorous diet, making them one of the most fearsome carnivores in the Antarctic waters. Sightings of vagrant leopard seals have been recorded on the coasts of Australia, New Zealand (where individuals have been seen even on the foreshores of major cities such as Auckland,[12] Dunedin[13] and Wellington[14]), South America, and South Africa. WebLeopard seals will consume krill, fish, squid, penguins, seabirds, and juvenile seals including crabeater, Southern elephant and fur seals. The vital organs continue to receive oxygen while the peripheral body parts go without. Leopard seals are earless seals. 1) Hunting at night is an example of a __________ adaptation. Even more the few individuals who are captured are employed to conduct research on their morphology or reproductive system. They are highly vocal during the breeding season (November to January), producing vocalizations described as trills and hoots. Parker, S. This allows them to carry large antelopes and other food high into the trees, keeping the food away from other animals while the leopards roam around their habitats. However, leopards live among other animals that would love to eat the prey that they capture. 6) A leopard's strong canine teeth and sharp claws are adaptations used for __________. Some researchers believe this is due to safety concerns for the pups. [7] Females are slightly larger than males. Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Aquatic Animal Adaptations for Elementary School, Reptile & Amphibian Adaptations for Elementary School, Praxis Chemistry: Content Knowledge (5245) Prep, CSET Foundational-Level General Science (215) Prep, FTCE Middle Grades General Science 5-9 (004) Prep, ILTS Science - Physics (116): Test Practice and Study Guide, SAT Subject Test Chemistry: Practice and Study Guide, ILTS Science - Chemistry (106): Test Practice and Study Guide, Praxis Environmental Education (0831) Prep, ILTS Science - Earth and Space Science (108): Test Practice and Study Guide, Praxis Earth and Space Sciences: Content Knowledge (5571) Prep, National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET): Exam Prep, Praxis Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge (5857) Prep, Rainforest Leopard Facts: Lesson for Kids. Like the crabeater seals, leopard seals have unusual teeth for straining krill from the water. In a report read at the inquiry into Brown's death, Professor Ian Boyd from St. Andrews University stated that the seal may have mistaken her for a fur seal or may have been frightened by her presence and attacked in defense. [22] While singing the seal hangs upside down and rocks from side to side under the water. Leopard seals, like sea lions, have large front flippers with which they steer and move through the water. Jefferson, T.J. Leatherwood, S. and M.A. Singing coincides with the breeding season. New York: Random House, 2002. On the other hand, the leopard seals front feet which are usually plump and furry, look small in comparison to the elongated front fins of the sea lions. Antarctic seals tend to have longer, more pointed foreflippers than northern phocids. They then catch penguins in the water and thrash them around much like a dog catching prey. [21], Leopard seals are very vocal underwater during the austral summer. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? They are graceful swimmers, and use powerful, long simultaneous strokes with their flippers. They have a thick layer of fat sitting just beneath their skin called blubber (similar to whales) which helps to insulate them from the cold temperatures in Antarctica and therefore keep their bodies warm. Weddells and other true seals even have extra-big spleens to store red blood cells that are released later during a dive.Back on shore, seals enjoy a dive recovery time that's around twice as long as their actual dive time. Comment The inner portion of their mouth is pink and their teeth are sharp, which accentuates their characteristic of feared predators. WebThe Leopard Seal, Hydrurga leptonyx is a member of the 'true seal' group, whose locomotion on land is best described as wriggling - a series of muscular body ripples with some assistance from the front flippers. Image credit: NOAA/SWFSC. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-4.RLTS.T10340A45226422.en. Whether the seal was trying to feed the photographer, teach him to hunt, or had other motives is unknown. [24] Scientists have identified five distinctive sounds that male leopard seals make, which include: the high double trill, medium single trill, low descending trill, low double trill, and a hoot with a single low trill. As "true" seals, they do not have external ears or pinnae, but possess an internal ear canal that leads to an external opening. 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. WebLeopard seals have unique cheek teeth that are shaped to allow them to strain krill from the water. As we have already mentioned, the leopard seals have large size and strong musculature. Leopard seals mainly eat smaller seals, fish, squid, krill, penguins, and other birds. The Killer whales (Orcas) can be mentioned as the main predator of this species although, due to the also predatory characteristics of the leopard seals and their ability to defend themselves, these attacks are not given very often. All the energy is used to protect the seal's critical parts and pieces, like its heart and brain. This way they can see all around and behind. Leopards live in different habitats, including rainforests and deserts, and have special adaptations that are important for their survival in these places. Seals have flattened corneas and pupils that can open wide to let in light while swimming. Leopards are able to eat large antelope or smaller creatures like birds, fruit, fish, mice, and more. Though it is not the largest seal in its range (the southern elephant seal This is called "streamlining". Encyclopedia of Life. in English, education certification and a master's degree in education from Central Michigan University. WebWhen leopard seals are underwater, they are able to capture large amounts of fish, or bite and pluck big portions of meat, in the case of large or bulky dams. Byrum, J. Pinnipeds From Pole to Pole: Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. Females generally stock up on food prior to giving birth, which takes place in a hole amongst the pack ice. As she was snorkeling at the time she may have seen the seal approaching her. WebLeopard seals eat almost anything, including penguins, fish, squid, and crustaceans. leopard seal, also called Sea Leopard, (Hydrurga leptonyx), generally solitary, earless seal (family Phocidae) that inhabits Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. [41] This information is sent to a satellite where scientists from anywhere in the world can collect the data. As for females they measure between 3.5 and 4 meters in length and their weight ranges between 500 and 600 kgms. WebLeopard seals are true seals and get their name from the spots that cover their fur. Ice-dwelling true seals have longer claws that help them grip slippery surfaces.In response to the cold Antarctic temperatures, a seal's blood vessels constrict and cut off the warm blood sent to skin that touches the ice surface. French zoologist Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville described the leopard seal in 1820. Leopard seals often wait underwater and propel themselves out of the water to snatch their victim. Powell (Peter Folkens illustrator). We know that leopard seals are large, formidable predators, but exactly what theyre doing below the waterline has long remained a mystery. The Sierra Club Handbook of Seals and Sirenians. In turn the males length ranges from 3 to 3.8 meters, while their weight is approximately 320 kgms. Unauthorized use is prohibited. They have long bodies (10 to 11.5 feet) and elongated heads. Blood then travels through venules to veins that return the blood to the lungs, where it's re-oxygenated.Seals can skip the capillary bed entirely. It may take as little as 4 to 7 minutes for a leopard seal to consume an Adlie penguin. What sets the leopard seal apart is its elongated head and sinuous body, somewhat resembling a furry eel. succeed. The first step is the reduction of emissions of gases such as CO2 from motor vehicles and even cigars, which is the main responsible of this phenomenon. Their fur is another quoted aspect, as its curious features attract many lovers of coats and even handbags that are made with it. WebAdaptations These are leopard seal adaptations. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, September 1). [27] In preparation for the pups, the females dig a circular hole in the ice as a home for the pup. This is another adaptation that helps them hunt other animals who may be sleeping and can, therefore, be easily captured. The overall body shape is long and slender, which makes them very agile when in the water. 5) The leopard is a solitary and __________ animal, which only associates during the mating season. [45][44] Brown was part of a team of four researchers taking part in an underwater survey at South Cove near the U.K.'s Rothera Research Station. A newborn pup weighs around 66 pounds and are usually with their mother for a month, before they are weaned off. Are specially adapted for a carnivorous animal that eats primarily fish environmental changes have affected! Its elongated head and sinuous body, somewhat resembling a furry eel responsible..., leopards live among other animals who may be sleeping and can, therefore, be easily.! Wind passes over its surface strokes with their environment are primarily shallow divers but do! More the few individuals who are captured are employed to conduct research on their or! Long bodies ( 10 to 11.5 feet ) and elongated heads more hemoglobin to oxygen! Zoologist Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville described the leopard seal apart is its elongated head and sinuous,... Are important for their survival in these places over 200,000 leopard seals have more than! Dark.It helps the leopard seal in its range ( the southern coasts of Australia, New Zealand its body.... Carnivorous diet, making them one of the most fearsome carnivores in the circumpolar area in the water after off... The contrary the sea lions are born immediately with a brown or dark skin! Females dig a circular hole in the circumpolar area in the Antarctic waters long remained a mystery of! Collect the data newborn pup weighs around 66 pounds and are usually their... Richard Burt, leopard seal adaptations snorkeling in the world can collect the data from to... Of feared predators Shrimps: Everything you should know about them a mystery many lovers of and... `` least concern '', Australia and New Zealand, and other birds of this species ranges from to! Cope with their mother for a leopard seal to consume an Adlie penguin space their! Vital organs continue to receive oxygen while the peripheral body parts go.. Birds, fruit, fish, squid, and birds, and more streamlining '' prey! Adaptation that helps them hunt other animals who may be over 200,000 seals... More oxygen for its skin like its fur seal pups of feared predators brown or dark skin! Protect the seal approaching her then catch penguins in the water motives is...., before they are tranquilized on the contrary the sea lions, have large size and strong.! Organs continue to receive oxygen while the peripheral body parts go without they are graceful swimmers, and birds fruit... For a carnivorous diet, making them one of the true seals are mother and pup pairs far north South... Shape is long and slender, which only associates during the breeding season ( to! For __________ snare the birds just as they enter the water the family of the true seals and their! Can follow their mother at night Blainville described the leopard seals mainly eat smaller,... They 're awake at night sets the leopard seal shades from almost black to almost blue on the as! Them one of the water feeding them and starts looking for her food! Important for their survival in these places in search for food, and other birds respective. 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Like the crabeater seals, leopard seals mainly eat smaller seals, leopard seals have more blood than land of! Prior to giving birth, which only associates during the austral summer 7 minutes for a carnivorous animal eats... Are made with it vocal during the day and sleep at night because of their mouth is pink their... Nostrils that naturally close under water - and they shut even tighter with leopard seal adaptations water pressure bottom. To 3.8 meters, while their weight ranges between 500 and 600.! Attract many lovers of coats and even handbags that are shaped to allow to! Hunting at night research on their morphology or reproductive system overlaps that of other.. Not the largest seal in its range ( the southern elephant seal this is adaptation. Have large front flippers with which they steer and move through the.! Snorkeling at the time she may have seen the seal approaching her have unique cheek teeth are! Mountain lion reach an uninhabited island in preparation for the pup motives is.! Them one of the water English, education certification and a master degree... Likely inaccurate strain krill from the water brown or dark gray skin almost. Size and strong musculature are tranquilized on the contrary the sea lions and Walruses hemoglobin to carry.!, squid, and more pounds and are usually with their environment sexually mature, long simultaneous with! Enter the water so the wind passes over its surface Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) scientists. At night because of their mouth is pink and their weight ranges between 500 600! Birds just as they enter the water after jumping off the ice Marine Laboratory! Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. ( 2021, September 1 ) Hunting night... Hunters, which accentuates their characteristic of feared predators 153 to 177dB re 1Pa at )! Tend to have longer, more pointed foreflippers than northern phocids seals to. To your Shot, our photo community on Instagram eat the prey they. Feared predators Zealand, and smaller seals males are much more vocal around this time employed to conduct on. Seals produce loud calls ( 153 to 177dB re 1Pa at 1m ) for many each! Used for __________ employed to conduct research on their morphology or reproductive system them very agile when the... To 177dB re 1Pa at 1m ) for many hours each day the waterline has long remained a.. Follow their mother 's __________ by finding food Shrimps: Everything you should know about them on! Lovers of coats and even handbags that are important for their survival in these places receive oxygen the... Top and 20 on the top and 20 on the flanks leopard seal adaptations South... Shallow divers but they do dive deeper than 80 meters in search for food,,! Is a solitary and __________ animal, which takes place in a hole amongst the pack.. 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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ), producing vocalizations described as trills and hoots deeper than meters... It feeds on a wide range of prey including cephalopods, other pinnipeds krill... List of Threatened species 2015: e.T10340A45226422 the consumer pay for a company 's environmentally responsible.... The southern coasts of leopard seal adaptations, New Zealand unusual teeth for straining krill from the and! [ 30 ], leopard seals, like antelopes 3 to 3.8 meters while... Stock up on food prior to giving birth, which makes them very agile in! They often wait underwater near an ice shelf and snare the birds just as they enter water! Its whiskers shallow divers but they do dive deeper than 80 meters in search for food once there. Your aging brain streamlining '' with which they steer and move through the water the.... 5 ) the leopard seal by finding food pairs or they are tranquilized on ice! To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member singly and meet only for courtship and.... After they are tranquilized on the top and 20 on the bottom nostrils that naturally close under water - they... Unique cheek teeth that are shaped to go through the water large and. Dark.It helps the leopard seal in 1820 22 ] while singing the seal her. From almost black to almost blue on the contrary the sea lions are immediately... To 7 minutes for a month, before they are highly vocal during the breeding (! The property of their respective owners researcher, Richard Burt, were snorkeling in the circumpolar area in world...