Abstract
The leopard seal, Hydrurga leptonyx, is a large, sexually dimorphic species, in which females are larger than males. The leopard seal is an unusual mammalian predator in that it takes very large-bodied prey for an animal of its body size, as well as being a filter-feeding planktivore. In order to feed at these two ends of the size scale, leopard seals have specialized dual-function teeth. Underwater vocalizations are part of their breeding behavior. During the breeding season, male leopard seals produce vocalizations underwater in distinctive patterns; each male has a unique “song.” Female seals vocalize as well, but only at the time of estrus, presumably to advertise that they are ready to mate. Leopard seals are an important, high trophic, component of the Antarctic pack ice ecosystem, and they are likely to be impacted by predicted sea ice loss.
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