Common Name:
Leopard Seal
Class: Mammalia
Order: Pinnipedia
Family: Phocidae
Genus:
Hydrurga
Species:
Hydrurga leptonyx |
 |
Taxonomy/Description
Leopard seals belong
to the Mammalian Order Pinnipedia, in the family Phocidae. Other
members of Phocidae include elephant seals, gray seals, and monk
seals. Phocids are referred to as true seals. They are
distinguished from other pinnipeds by their inability to support
their body using their hind limbs. The leopard seal's scientific
name is Hydrurga leptonyx. The generic name, Hydrurga,
refers to a "water driven lifestyle". The specific name,
leptonyx, means "smooth claw". The leopard seal is easily
recognized by its very reptilian head. Their nostrils are located
high on their snouts, and they do not have a distinct forehead.
Leopard seals are grayish with dark brown and gray spots. Males
reach lengths of 8-10 feet and weigh up to 900lbs. Females reach
lengths of 10-12 feet, weighing up to 1000lbs.
Habitat/Diet
The leopard seal is
found on the pack ice flows of Antarctica. They seasonally haul out
to islands nearer the continent in the summer months and return to
the subantarctic islands when the ice expands. Some seals live near
penguin rookeries, which is just one of many antarctic species that
leopard seals hunt. In fact, the leopard seal is the only seal
species that regularly preys on warm-blooded animals. Most leopard
seal diets consist mainly of krill, fish, and squid. But seabirds,
penguins, and even other seal species are also common. Some leopard
seals prey predominantly on Adelie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins,
living close to rookeries. Only the fleshy parts of the penguin are
eaten. This leaves the legs, head, skeleton, and flippers
untouched. Crabeater seals, Weddell seals, southern elephant seal
pups, fur seals, and the Ross seal are all potential prey species
for the leopard seal. The crabeater seal is most commonly eaten.
The characteristic scarring on crabeater seals is often the result
of leopard seal attacks. The blubber and attached skin of the
crabeater seal are only eaten by the leopard seal.

Behavior/Reproduction
Leopard seals are
aggressive hunters. Despite the reputation achieved by preying on
penguins and other seal species, attacks on human explorers have
also been recorded. Slow on land, leopard seals are extremely agile
in water. Elongated foreflippers allow the leopard seal to move
faster in water than other seal species. The leopard seal is the
only phocid to use its foreflippers for swimming. Some seals have
even become proficient penguin hunters. Penguins are well adapted
to swimming, exhibiting very high maneuverability. Leopard seals
surprise their prey to overcome the penguins' superior speed and
agility.
Leopard seals lead
solitary lives. During breeding season, pairs and small groups of
leopard seals come ashore to breed. After a nine month gestation
period, a female leopard seal gives birth to a single pup, weighing
over 65lbs. She digs a small den to house her newborn pup. Males
reach sexual maturity at 2-6 years, while females mature sexually at
3-7 years. Leopard seals live to about 25 years of age. Their only
natural predator is the killer whale.
Conservation
The leopard seal
population is estimated at about 250,000 individuals. Due to the
inaccessibility of Antarctica, this species is relatively free from
human encroachment and habitat destruction. However, one should not
become complacent of the leopard seal's environment.