Weddell Seal: Leptonychotes weddellii

Abstract

Weddell seals are the southernmost breeding mammal on the planet and one of the best-studied pinniped species. Their large body size (up to 600kg), high abundance, wide distribution, and ability to dive to depths >600m, make them important predators of fish in Antarctic waters. Weddell seals exhibit remarkable regional variability in their ecology and distribution patterns. They are one of the few phocid species that establish reproductive colonies, and adult individuals show high philopatry to their natal colonies. Weddell seals have a wide vocal repertoire, and they are particular active during the breeding season (October–November) when males vocalize as part of the aggressive behaviors used to establish and defend underwater territories. Weddell seals are an emblem in the field of diving physiology and continue to be at the forefront of advances in our understanding across many scientific disciplines. Local stocks of could have been reduced due to human harvesting that continued until the 1990’s, but they have recovered. Yet, Weddell seals face many new challenges associated with climate change and the expansion of fisheries to the southernmost oceans of the world.