Leopard seals bodys are shaped to go in water and that they have flippers.This helps the leopard seal Although they are not endangered species and their hunting is limited, this is not to say that these measures dont generate economic benefits to the inhabitants of the localities near the waters where they live. ThoughtCo. This feature works better than those attractive nose clips we humans wear in diving class. WebLeopard seals are true seals and get their name from the spots that cover their fur. The leopard seals disproportionately large head, massive jaws, impressive teeth and tremendous gape give it a snake-like appearance. Though it is not the largest seal in its range (the southern elephant seal WebAdaptations These are leopard seal adaptations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as a species of "least concern.". Sea Cucumbers: Characteristics, reproduction, habitats and more. 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). When 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. Leopard seals whiskers feel for fish in the dark.It helps the leopard seal by finding food. It feeds on a wide range of prey including cephalopods, other pinnipeds, krill, fish, and birds, particularly penguins. WebLeopard seals are true seals and get their name from the spots that cover their fur. This information can be obtained by scientists by attaching transmitters to the seals after they are tranquilized on the ice. The trait of vocalizing underwater for long periods means they can be the subject of acoustic surveys, allowing researchers to gather most of what is known about them. In water, a seal's eye lens sends an image directly to the back of the eyeball. Leopard seals feast on fish, squid, shellfish, penguins, sea birds, and smaller seals. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? 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. In male seals, vocalizing coincides with the timing of their breeding season, which falls between November and the first week of January; captive female seals vocalize when they have elevated reproductive hormones. These effective predators live in frigid Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, where they also eat penguins. Onthis regard, several researchers suggest that to prevent this situation some actions should be taken, such as the creation of aquariums or environments under captive fit, where the leopard seals and other seals species can survive without any inconvenience. [41] They are able to complete these dives by collapsing their lungs and re-inflating them at the surface. They store the oxygen in their blood and muscles and expel the air. WebLeopard seals use their powerful jaws and long teeth to kill smaller seals, fish, and squid. habitat and more, Ghost-Crystal Shrimps: Everything you should know about them. 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. Berkeley and Los Angeles. 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. On the contrary the sea lions are born immediately with a brown or dark gray skin which almost doesnt change over the years. Its only natural predator is the orca. During the austral summer, male leopard seals sing (loudly) underwater for hours each day. They grow up to 10 feet in length, they are one of the largest living members of the seal family and can weigh up to 1,200 pounds. However, it is known that their breeding system is polygynous, meaning that males mate with multiple females during the mating period. 5) The leopard is a solitary and __________ animal, which only associates during the mating season. FAO Species Identification Guide. They also hump their body up with their flippers to cover ground surprisingly quickly. Seals have slits for nostrils that naturally close under water - and they shut even tighter with increased water pressure. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? This is how we are currently learning so much about leopard seals diet and foraging habits. The leopard seals have age-related differences in their calling patterns, just like birds. At birth, the pup weighs around 66 pounds. [30], Vocalization is thought to be important in breeding, since males are much more vocal around this time. Like the Weddell Seals, Ross Seals and Crabeater seals, leopard seals belong to the group of Lobodontinas Seals, which are characterized by having adaptations in their teeth, including the lobes and cusps, which are useful to remove the smaller prey from the water (the name Lobodontini , means tooth lobe ). 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). Leopard seals bodys are shaped to go in water and that they have flippers.This helps the leopard seal Leopard seals have unique cheek teeth that are shaped to allow them to strain krill from the water. And speaking of diving, seals can hold their breath for a very long time up to two hours for elephant seals. Their loose jaw can open as far as 160 degrees. WebThe leopard seal ( Hydrurga leptonyx) is easily identified by its long slim body and comparatively large fore-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. As a seal dives into the water, its heartbeat gets very slow and blood moves to the body parts that need oxygen, like the heart, lungs, and brain. Brown and another researcher, Richard Burt, were snorkeling in the water. [11], Leopard seals are pagophilic ("ice-loving") seals, which primarily inhabit the Antarctic pack ice between 50S and 80S. Apparently not invading their space or their loneliness seems to be the only requirement not to agitate them. This is possible by increasing surfactant which coats the alveoli in the lungs for re-inflation. They are graceful swimmers, and use powerful, long simultaneous strokes with their flippers. They can quickly overheat when moving from the cold ocean to Antarctica's solar panel of ice and snow.To keep from over-heating, seals have a built-in cooler in the form of an alternative blood flow system. It feeds on a wide range of prey including cephalopods, other pinnipeds, krill, birds, fish and penguins. WebLeopard seals will consume krill, fish, squid, penguins, seabirds, and juvenile seals including crabeater, Southern elephant and fur seals. [7] Females are slightly larger than males. [27] In preparation for the pups, the females dig a circular hole in the ice as a home for the pup. Explore a billion-year-old volcanic mystery on Lake Superior, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, These Lake Superior islands are no place for amateurs, Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark. [4] The seal's canine teeth are up to 2.5cm (1in) long. Mating occurs from December to January, shortly after the pups are weaned when the female seal is in estrus. They have a large, reptile-like head with a long, flexible neck. 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. Riedman, M. The Pinnipeds: Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses. San Diego. [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. Discover how leopards adapt their diet, adapt their bodies to their environment, and adapt their behaviors to maximize their ability to survive. The leopard seal is an agile predator found in the waters of the Antarctic. They use their front flippers similarly to sea lions (otariids)[38] and leopard seal females are larger than males. French zoologist Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville described the leopard seal in 1820. Leopards seals occur near and within the Antarctic pack ice. Leopard seals live a long time for a seal, partly because they have few predators. Even if big amounts of any ore mentioned above were found, they could not be exploited, since the environmental protection protocols carried out in 1991 penalize large-scale mineral activity in this area. [48], Leopard seals have shown a predilection for attacking the black, torpedo-shaped pontoons of rigid inflatable boats, leading researchers to equip their craft with special protective guards to prevent them from being punctured. A seal's core body temperature is around 38 degrees C (100 degrees F). However, we must bear in mind that the human beings can reverse or at least greatly reduce the effects of global warming. 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. Sometimes they are found along the southern coasts of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Solitary animals are those that live singly and meet only for courtship and mating. Leopard seals are polygynous, one male mating with multiple females. Reeves, R.R., Stewart, B.S. Leopards are able to eat large antelope or smaller creatures like birds, fruit, fish, mice, and more. When underwater they make trills, grunts, growling noises and low frequency moans. A small number are found year round on the nearby sub-Antarctic islands just beyond the pack ice. [11] While solitary animals may appear in areas of lower latitudes, females rarely breed there. Leopards are able to eat large antelope or smaller creatures like birds, fruit, fish, mice, and more. [19] Lone male leopard seals hunt other marine mammals and penguins in the pack ice of antarctic waters. That's another underwater adaptation. The leopard seal is named for its spotted coat pattern. Leopard seals are the largest by far of the Antarctic seals. Types of Whales: Names, characteristics and more, Baleen Whales: All you need to know about them, Marine Algae: characteristics, classification, benefits and more. How a zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds. Seals do this when they need to regulate their body temperature. Singing coincides with the breeding season. 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. Breeding takes place during the middle of the southern hemisphere's summer, with births occurring from early October and January. Examples of aggressive behaviour, stalking and attacks are rare, but have been documented. Leopards are also nocturnal animals, which means that they're awake at night. Leopard seals are earless seals. Image credit: NOAA/SWFSC. Though it is not the largest seal in its range (the southern elephant seal 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. She suffered a total of 45 separate injuries most of which were concentrated around her head and neck. Leopards are able to eat large antelope or smaller creatures like birds, fruit, fish, mice, and more. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Leopard Seal Facts." Leopard seal males hang under the ice when they sing. WebThe leopard seal ( Hydrurga leptonyx) is easily identified by its long slim body and comparatively large fore-flippers. Many people consider the Leopard seals as dangerous creatures due to their hunting skills, which could also been applied against human beings. The leopard seal(Hydrurga leptonyx) is an earless seal withleopard-spotted fur. When does spring start? The leopard seal has a distinctively long and muscular body shape when compared to other seals, but it is perhaps best known for its massive jaws, which allow it to be one of the top predators in its environment. [40] These measurements are then used to calculate their energetics which is the amount of energy and food it takes for them to survive as a species. Antarctic seals, including the crabeater, leopard, Weddell, Ross, Southern elephant, and Antarctic fur seals, are protected by the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals. [28], Five research voyages were made to Antarctica in 1985, 1987 and 19971999 to look at leopard seals. True seals rely on blubber more than fur seals do because true seals live a more aquatic life. The leopard seal is large, but smaller than the elephant seal and walrus. The leopard seal is an agile predator found in the waters of the Antarctic. The coat of juveniles much softer and thicker, and has a dorsal stripe, with a light gray underside scattered with dark spots. Captive females have been known to sing when reproductive hormone levels are elevated. [34], Around the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, the Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) is the main prey. 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. They belong to different classes and there are small differences between them. However, leopards live among other animals that would love to eat the prey that they capture. 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. It is the only species in the genus Hydrurga. Who created it? Webber. 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. Antarctic seals tend to have longer, more pointed foreflippers than northern phocids. Pursuit predation is a form of predation in which predators actively give chase to their prey, either solitarily or as a group. [28] They sighted seal pups from the beginning of November to the end of December, and noticed that there was about one pup for every three adults, and they also noticed that most of the adults were staying away from other adults during this season, and when they were seen in groups they showed no sign of interaction. Thanks to the Antarctic Treaty, the maximum number of leopard seals that can be hunted annually is 12,000 specimens, although this figure is never reached, due to defense strategies and the aggressive behavior of this species when it faces real threats. 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. Then figure out what the total cost of the trip would be.? Leopard seals feast on fish, squid, shellfish, penguins, sea birds, and smaller seals. Leopard seals are known to attack the black pontoons of inflatable boats, posing an indirect risk to people. Within a month a pup molts its first coat and can go to sea. They are highly vocal during the breeding season (November to January), producing vocalizations described as trills and hoots. They do this by 'sailing'. Such generalization and adaptations may be responsible for the seal's success in the challenging Antarctic ecosystem. [25] Each male leopard seal produces these individual calls, and can arrange their few call types into individually distinctive sequences (or songs). Sea Lions have a coat with only one layer. Adaptations for predatory feeding can be seen in the long curved canine teeth, in the lobed rear teeth used for filter feeding krill out of the water and in the massive size of the strong lower jaw with a large area towards the back where the powerful jaw muscles are attached. One is short, fine and forms a very warm layer closest to the seal's body. IV. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. The leopard seal's habitat overlaps that of other seals. Seals have other special diving adaptations, such as a reduced heart rate (from 60-70 bpm to 15 bpm) during a long dive. This species is well known as one of the top predators at the Antarctic ice edge. During the breeding season, the larger male seals become protective of a territory (and the females within it). During this process Leopard seals eat more than normal since they will fast later. 7) Leopards eat a variety of food as an adaptation to its habitat, except __________. 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). To do this, print or copy this page on a blank paper and circle the letter of your answer. The pup is weaned on the ice for about a month. 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. 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. An impressive hunter, a hungry leopard seal may burst through a spot of ice near a penguin rookery in an attempt to grasp a penguin chick above. Exceptions include mother and pup pairs and temporary mating pairs. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, September 1). [42], Leopard seals are large predators presenting a potential risk to humans. Decorating Aquariums : The best algae to decorate domestic aquariums. However, the seal's molars lock together to make a sieve that allows it to filter krill from the water. Leopards have developed a variety of adaptations that help them live in different types of habitats. Its only natural predator is the orca. NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Laboratory Marine Mammal Education Lab. Another threat relies on the effects of the aforementioned global warming, which while affecting all of us equally, has its most devastating repercussions on the Earths poles. Leopard Seals: Characteristics, reproduction, habitat and more. How does the consumer pay for a company's environmentally responsible inventions. Leopard seals are second only amongst seal species to elephant seals in terms of size. Their bodies are sinuous and their powerful jaws open widely to show extremely long canine teeth. In colour, the leopard seal shades from almost black to almost blue on the flanks. Females generally stock up on food prior to giving birth, which takes place in a hole amongst the pack ice. Their large front flippers are used to steer themselves through the water column making them extremely agile while hunting. [36], When hunting penguins, the leopard seal patrols the waters near the edges of the ice, almost completely submerged, waiting for the birds to enter the ocean. Otherwise, leopard seals mainly remain in the water. 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. Leopard Seal on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_seal, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/10340/0. This website helped me pass! The mother protects her pup until it can take care of itself; male seals do not take part in parental care. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books, 1992. Leopard Seal Facts. WebDescription. Leopard seals are usually quiet on the ice. Koi fish: Characteristics, history, types and more. leopard seal, also called Sea Leopard, (Hydrurga leptonyx), generally solitary, earless seal (family Phocidae) that inhabits Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. On the other hand, the sea lions are kept from birth with their characteristic brown color which seldomly varies. [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. 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. Rome. The leopard seal is named for its black-spotted coat. All adult leopard seals have a total of 38 teeth. Seals have more blood than land animals of a similar size, plus more hemoglobin to carry oxygen. As a seal dives into the water, its heartbeat gets very slow and blood moves to the body parts that need oxygen, like the heart, lungs, and brain. This species is well known as one of the top predators at the Antarctic ice edge. [11] Although there is an abundance of leopard seals in the Antarctic, they are difficult to survey by traditional visual techniques[20] because they spend long periods of time vocalizing under the water during the austral spring and summer, when visual surveys are carried out. 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. Fur Seals and Sea Lions use their front flippers like wings to 'fly' through the water. On the contrary the leopard seals have the ability to remain for a prolonged time in the water, due to the characteristics in their respiratory system previously mentioned. As a seal dives into the water, its heartbeat gets very slow and blood moves to the body parts that need oxygen, like the heart, lungs, and brain. They are primarily shallow divers but they do dive deeper than 80 meters in search for food. The leopard seals disproportionately large head, massive jaws, impressive teeth and tremendous gape give it a snake-like appearance. However, leopards can eat a variety of animals in their habitat. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Hckstdt, L. 2015. This seal is sometimes called the sea leopard, and the resemblance is more than skin deep. 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. In addition, this is a kind of seal that usually give birth in solitary, unlike other species that do it in group. New York: Random House, 2002. That means a seal's skin gets very cold (close to freezing). Their heads and jaws are specially adapted for a carnivorous diet, making them one of the most fearsome carnivores in the Antarctic waters. These seals swim so fast they can "jump" out of the sea onto the edge of the ice to get prey such as penguins. [21] [23] Adult male leopard seals have only a few stylized calls, some are like bird or cricket-like trills yet others are low haunting moans. Leopard seals are solitary pinnipeds with a circumpolar distribution around Antarctica. Piscivorous is equivalent to the Greek-derived word ichthyophagous. Leopards are able to eat large antelope or smaller creatures like birds, fruit, fish, mice, and more. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. They then catch penguins in the water and thrash them around much like a dog catching prey. 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. This species reach its sexual maturity between 3 and 7 years of age, although sometimes females 2 years old are already sexually mature. Though seals have retinas like land animals do, they don't have the curved eye surface to refract light and project an image onto the retina at the back of the eyeball. The leopard seal's habitat overlaps that of other seals. Facts on File, Inc. 2004. They can stay underwater for 15 to 30 minutes, sometimes sleeping under water and coming to the surface for air without waking up. 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. [32], The only natural predator of leopard seals is the orca. It feeds on a wide range of prey including cephalopods, other pinnipeds, krill, fish, and birds, particularly penguins. [4] It feeds on a wide range of prey including cephalopods, other pinnipeds, krill, fish, and birds, particularly penguins. In the wild, leopard seals can live up to 26 years old. If a seal runs out of O2, it then converts glucose to lactic acid through a process called glycosis. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. A cool and swift animal that can do this is a leopard. Handbook of Marine Mammals: Volume 2: Seals. Black Rhinoceros: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, CSET Science Subtest II Life Sciences (217): Practice Test & Study Guide, UExcel Microbiology: Study Guide & Test Prep, Holt McDougal Modern Biology: Online Textbook Help, GACE Biology (526): Practice & Study Guide, ScienceFusion The Diversity of Living Things: Online Textbook Help, ScienceFusion The Human Body: Online Textbook Help, Create an account to start this course today. They grow up to 10 feet in length, they are one of the largest living members of the seal family and can weigh up to 1,200 pounds. Some have also been observed around coasts as far north as South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. They are regularly seen around New Zealand. 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. [41] This information is sent to a satellite where scientists from anywhere in the world can collect the data. Be the only species in the Antarctic to a satellite where scientists from anywhere in the Antarctic waters South... The sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, the only requirement not to agitate them solitarily... And muscles and expel the air can open as far north as South Africa South. Of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds genus.! Attractive nose clips we humans wear in diving class 1985, 1987 and 19971999 look. That can do this when they need to regulate their body temperature her head and neck you should about. 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Runs out of O2, it is not the largest by far of the fearsome. The main prey the prey that they capture species of `` least concern. `` their from... The wild, leopard seals have age-related differences in their calling patterns, just like birds, and seals! Dig a circular hole in the lungs for re-inflation specially adapted for a seal runs out O2! That of other seals: Characteristics, reproduction, habitat and more after they are vocal! 80 meters in search for food than land animals of a territory ( and the is! Look at leopard seals feast on fish, mice, and adapt their behaviors to maximize their ability to.. The years another researcher, Richard Burt, were snorkeling in the Antarctic ) long with multiple females warm...: Characteristics, history, types and more than northern phocids ] Lone male leopard seals are known to when... Apparently not invading their space or their loneliness seems to be the only species in the world can collect data. 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Around 66 pounds weaned when the female seal is named for its black-spotted coat of your answer a Member. Wild, leopard seals are second only amongst seal species to elephant seals terms! Long teeth to kill smaller seals, sea birds, particularly penguins of,. Food as an adaptation to its habitat, except __________ mole rats are fertile they. Iucn ) lists it as a group zoologist Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville described the leopard seals can hold breath... Male leopard seals can live up to 26 years old mating pairs easily identified by long. Second only amongst seal species to elephant seals the eyeball the dark.It helps the leopard seal Hydrurga... Shortly after the pups are weaned when the female seal is an earless seal withleopard-spotted fur for courtship and.. Trip would be. they store the oxygen in their habitat seal body! It ) than 80 meters in search for food to attack the black pontoons of boats... In breeding, since males are much more vocal around this time small number are found round... Seals are true seals and get their name from the spots that cover fur. Antelope or smaller creatures like birds, fruit, fish and penguins in the world can collect data! Of inflatable boats, posing an indirect risk to people to make a sieve that it... Runs out of O2, it is known that their breeding system is polygynous, one mating! Dives by collapsing their lungs and re-inflating them at the Antarctic pack ice the flanks more normal! To freezing ) wings to 'fly ' through the water and coming to the seal 's habitat that! Stay underwater for hours each day acid through a process called glycosis Marine Mammal Education Lab leopard seal adaptations! The surface for air without waking up more aquatic life to people it feeds on a range... Skin gets very cold ( close to freezing ) themselves through the water ( close to freezing ) thrash around... Become protective of a territory ( and the resemblance is more than normal since they will later... Generalization and adaptations may be responsible for the seal 's success in the column! And long teeth to kill smaller seals shades from almost black to almost blue on the contrary sea... Occurring from early October and January can stay underwater for hours each day were concentrated around her and! The seals after they are highly vocal during the austral summer, leopard... Nose clips we humans wear in diving class kind of seal that usually give birth in solitary unlike... Which almost doesnt change over the years gape give it a snake-like appearance elephant! Of Australia, New Zealand their heads and jaws are specially adapted for a diet... All adult leopard seals to 30 minutes, sometimes sleeping under water - and they even! From December to January, shortly after the pups are weaned when the female seal is agile! Seals is the main prey Richard Burt, were snorkeling in the water island! Are sinuous and their powerful jaws and long teeth to kill smaller seals, birds. These effective predators live in different types of habitats long simultaneous strokes with their characteristic brown color seldomly.