Leopard Seal
The leopard seal, also known as the "sea leopard," is the top predator in the Antarctic ecosystem. This solitary marine mammal is unlike any other seal.
Facts about Leopard Seal
- Antarctica
- Antarctic Peninsula
- Falkland Islands
- South Georgia
- South Shetland Islands
Leopard Seal Quick Overview
Scientific Name: Hydrurga leptonyx
Population: Estimated at 250,000–400,000 globally
Regions: Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions; most common in western Antarctica
Destinations: Falkland Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia
Average Length: Males: ~2.4–3.0 m (7.9–9.8 ft); Females: ~2.6–3.5 m (8.5–11.5 ft); Newborns: ~120 cm (3.9 ft)
Average Weight: Males: ~200–500 kg (440–1,100 lbs); Females: ~260–600 kg (573–1,320 lbs); Newborns: ~30 kg (66 lbs)
Diet Habits: Juveniles: krill; Adults: penguins, fish, seabirds, and even young seals (especially crabeater and fur seals, and occasionally elephant seal pups)
Leopard Seal Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Phocidae
Genus: Hydrurga
Species: Hydrurga leptonyx
Leopard Seal Explorer Passport
English: Leopard Seal
Danish: Søleopard
Chinese: 海豹豹 (Hǎibào bào)
Swedish: Leopard säl
Finnish: Merileopardi
Norwegian: Sjøleopard
Polish: Lampart morski
Japanese: ヒョウアザラシ (Hyō azarashi)
Spanish: Foca leopardo
French: Léopard de mer
Unlocking the Secrets of the Leopard Seal
How big is a leopard seal?
A leopard seal size is typically of 200 kg to 600 kg in weight and measures between 2.4 m and 3.5 m in length, with females being slightly larger than males. They are regarded as the second-largest type of seal in Antarctica, only surpassed by the massive elephant seal.
What does a leopard seal eat?
The leopard seal diet is very varied. It is a muscular predator with a large mouth, featuring prominent sharp front teeth and molars (about 2.5 cm), occupying the same ecological niche in Antarctica as polar bears do in the Arctic. Baby leopard seals feed mostly on krill, using teeth suitable for this purpose. When it gets a bit older, it moves on to prey on penguins, seabirds, and fish. Large leopard seals hunt other seals, including juveniles and pups of crabeater, fur seals, and even other elephant seals!
What eats a leopard seal?
Although this seal is the top predator in Antarctica with the highest position in the food chain, it should also look after itself. The biggest leopard seal predators are the killer whales, but pups may also be vulnerable to larger seals.
Can a leopard seal kill a human?
Do you think leopard seals attack humans? That is a controversial question because this sea leopard is known to be uncommonly curious and almost playful, but at the same time, it can be extremely dangerous to humans. While not common, there have been some reported cases. What usually happens is that leopard seals can get quite close and may have bad habits such as biting holes in the pontoons of Zodiacs. Although most encounters assume that leopard seals are non-aggressive, they should always be approached with caution.
Where does the leopard seal live?
The leopard seal habitat is the pack ice and the edge of the permanent ice, close to penguin colonies in open areas. This species is common throughout Antarctica and is also found on many sub-Antarctic islands, such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, as well as occasionally on the southern coasts of southern continents. Its highest concentration is in western Antarctica, south of South America.
See one of the fascinating sea leopards during your voyages with Albatros Expeditions!
How Many of These 10 Leopard Seal Facts Did You Already Know?
Leopard Seal Fact #1:
Known as the “sea leopards” due to their aggressive hunting method and sizable jaws.
Leopard Seal Fact #2:
Leopard seal teeth are used to tear and cut prey apart.
Leopard Seal Fact #3:
Leopard seal attacks on humans are rare, but they could happen!
Leopard Seal Fact #4:
Leopard seals are vocal, producing powerful, varied sounds used in different contexts. These sounds are unique and vary by age and gender.
Leopard Seal Fact #5:
A female leopard seal gives birth to a single pup.
Leopard Seal Fact #6:
Leopard seal pups are born weighing about 30 kg.
Leopard Seal Fact #7:
To most of the wildlife in Antarctica, the leopard seal can be very dangerous.
Leopard Seal Fact #8:
Leopard seal pups are born during Antarctic midsummer, from November to January, after up to eleven months of pregnancy.
Leopard Seal Fact #9:
The female looks after the pup while the males disappear in February when they mate again.
Leopard Seal Fact #10:
Leopard seals are not endangered, as they are listed as ‘Least Concerned’ on the IUCN Red List.
Join on an Antarctica adventure with Albatros Expeditions and witness the wonders of Antarctica wildlife!
