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Difference between revisions of "Weddell seal"
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[[File:Weddell seals-Diving.jpg|thumb|Weddell seals under ice]] | |||
The '''Weddell seal''', ''Leptonychotes weddellii'', is a relatively large and abundant true seal with a circumpolar distribution surrounding [[Antarctica]]. Weddell seals have the most southerly distribution of any mammal, with a habitat that extends as far south as McMurdo Sound (at 77°S). Because of its abundance, relative accessibility, and ease of approach by humans, it is the best-studied of the Antarctic seals. An estimated 800,000 individuals remain today. | The '''Weddell seal''', ''Leptonychotes weddellii'', is a relatively large and abundant true seal with a circumpolar distribution surrounding [[Antarctica]]. Weddell seals have the most southerly distribution of any mammal, with a habitat that extends as far south as McMurdo Sound (at 77°S). Because of its abundance, relative accessibility, and ease of approach by humans, it is the best-studied of the Antarctic seals. An estimated 800,000 individuals remain today. | ||
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The Weddell seal was discovered and named in the 1820s during expeditions led by James Weddell, the British sealing captain, to the parts of the [[Southern Ocean]] now known as the Weddell Sea. However, it is found in relatively uniform densities around the entire Antarctic continent. | The Weddell seal was discovered and named in the 1820s during expeditions led by James Weddell, the British sealing captain, to the parts of the [[Southern Ocean]] now known as the Weddell Sea. However, it is found in relatively uniform densities around the entire Antarctic continent. | ||
==Taxonomy and evolution== | ==Taxonomy and evolution== | ||
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==Behavior and breeding== | ==Behavior and breeding== | ||
[[File:Weddell-seal-Baby.jpg|thumb|Baby Weddell seal]] | |||
Weddell seals gather in small groups around cracks and holes in the [[ice]]. These animals can also be found in large groups on ice attached to the continent. In the winter, they stay in the water to avoid blizzards, with only their heads poking through breathing holes in the ice. These seals are often observed lying on their sides, when on land. They are very docile and placid animals and can be approached easily. | Weddell seals gather in small groups around cracks and holes in the [[ice]]. These animals can also be found in large groups on ice attached to the continent. In the winter, they stay in the water to avoid blizzards, with only their heads poking through breathing holes in the ice. These seals are often observed lying on their sides, when on land. They are very docile and placid animals and can be approached easily. | ||