The leopard seal is considered to be an apex predator that has few other natural predators in the wild. The Leopard Seal Has 3 Predators.Sharks. The leopard seal is a dominant predator in its environment and is rarely preyed upon by other animals with the exception of human hunters, the occasional desperate shark or killer whale . It eats krill, squid, fish, penguins, and seals. Scientific name: Hydrurga leptonyx 1) Fierce as a leopard Leopard seals are named after their spotty coats and for their reputation of being fearsome hunters. With the help of "crittercams," scientists are able to see the rivalries that go on under the ocean's surface–and they aren't always the classic battle of predator vs. prey. It is second only to the killer whale among Antarctica's top predators, feeding on large animals like penguins and smaller seals as well as fish, squid and minute krill. Leopard seals refers to the species of true seals inhabiting the subantarctic regions of the Southern Ocean. Leopard seals are true seals and get their name from the spots that cover their fur. Leopard Seals’ Predators. Since I’ve been studying the Weddell seal, I wondered who eats them for lunch? Leopard Seal facts - Basics. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Despite large size and fearsome nature of leopard seal, nearly 50% of its diet is based on the krill. The Leopard Seal is the largest of the true Antarctic seals. 2) Predator and prey It is the only pinniped that feeds extensively upon warm-blooded animals. "As one of the Antarctic's apex predators, leopard seals can have large local impacts on their prey populations. A Closer Look at…Predators of the Weddell Seals Leopard Seals & Antarctic Killer Whales. Therefore, hunting for an adult experienced penguin will not bring success, chicks of the predator become fat and fat chicks. The leopard seal is named for its black-spotted coat. The leopard seal is the third-largest type of seal and it is an incredibly solitary animal. The only predator of the leopard seal is the occasional killer whale and humans. It is 2nd only to the killer whale (its only natural predator) as the top predator in Antarctica. With very long canine teeth and flexible neck, leopard seal is by far one of the top predators of this area. Leopard Seals are the 2 nd-highest in the Antarctic food chain, fearing only the Killer Whale. This fierce predator of penguins, the second largest species of seal in the Antarctic, can grow to a size of 10 to 11.5 feet, weigh up to 840 pounds, and has an average life span of 12 to 15 years in the wild. Seal Natural Predators. Leopard seals have lunged at ankles and, rarely, briefly grabbed people. Do Leopard Seals have any predators? While attacks of humans are rare, cases of aggression, stalking, and fatalities have been documented. It is one of the top predators in Antarctic waters, filling the niche that polar bears hold in the Arctic. It is one of the most formidable and dangerous sea predators. In sub-Antarctic Islands such as South Georgia the birth season is August to September. However, others have plenty of large predators that they need to be worried about. It hunts and eats fish, squids, shellfish, penguins and other species of seal. Leopard Seals (Animal Predators) [Markle, Sandra] on Amazon.com. Tigers and humans are the biggest predators to the leopard. Leopard Seal. Leopard seals are an important Antarctic apex predator that can affect marine ecosystems through local predation. They are the only seals known to regularly hunt and kill warm-blooded prey, including other seals. Posted by 4 months ago. Length: Males typically 2.8 - 3.3 m / females 2.9 - 3.6 m, up to 3.8m Breeding Season: Pups born on the ice usually from November to December, though may occur up to a month earlier or later. 21.0k. There are creatures that are hunters and creatures that are the meal. Predators The main predator of Leopard Seals are Killer Whales. On one occasion, a leopard seal held a snorkeler underwater long enough to drown the person. Animals must eat to stay alive. Here we report on the successful use of micro geolocation logging sensor tags to track the movements, and activity, of four leopard seals for trips of between 142–446 days including one individual in two separate years. So, what could take one on? Leopard seal is graceful swimmer that can reach the speed of 37 miles per hour. Leopard seal is an ambush predator. read more Leopard he was called for the skin covered with stains, and also because of very predatory behavior – he is also fierce and dangerous for other marine animals. Leopard seals are solitary outside of their mating period when large numbers gather on pack ice. Mostly Great Whites Or Tiger Sharks But Also Some Others.The Other One Is The Orca.It Could Knock Down The Ice.Then Attacking The Leopard Seal… First, it has to catch a penguin. After southern elephant seal, it is the second largest seal in Antarctica. Then, it has to shake the penguin to death. It can be a dangerous endeavor to try to study these creatures, and in one case, leopard seals … This is due to the location where they live and their sheer size. Despite being a top predator, leopard seals themselves are prey for killer whales. Fun Facts for Kids When diving, a Leopard seal's nose closes automatically and stays shut until it surfaces. The Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), also referred to as the sea leopard, is a species of seal from the seas and ice flows of Antarctica and the 2nd largest species of seal in the Antarctic, after the southern elephant seal. Subspecies Leopard Seals have no subspecies Interesting Facts The estimated population of Leopard Seals is in the region of 220,000 - 440,000 individuals. Leopard seals are known to attack the black pontoons of inflatable boats, posing an indirect risk to people. This species is well known as one of the top predators at the Antarctic ice edge.Though it is not the largest seal in its range (the southern elephant seal is much larger), the leopard Seal’s willingness to attack large prey has given it a reputation of being a very aggressive hunter and excellent swimmer. The elaborately cusped teeth of filter-feeding species, such as crabeater seals, allow them to remove water before they swallow their planktonic food. Like their feline namesakes, leopard seals are fierce predators. The Leopard Seal is the apex predator on Antarctica. The leopard seal, in particular, can be particularly vicious. Weight: Males up to 300 kg / females 260 - 500 kg. Leopard kills animals for the sake of fat. The leopard seal, a prolific predator of penguins, is known to violently swing its prey back and forth until it is dead. Penguins are very agile and maneuverable in water and have many advantages over huge leopard seals . Close. As apex predators, these seals play an important role feeding on the large animals of the extreme Antarctic system, thus controlling their populations. Cub mortality is extremely high, as it is for many predators and solitary predators like leopards or tigers lose a great many cubs. Leopard Seals are huge apex predators in the Antarctic and the most vicious of all seals. However, one of them is the killer whale. Leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) are fierce predators and the second largest seals on the continent of Antarctica.They are the sole species of the genus Hydrurga.Their native range encompasses the entire Southern Ocean, which encircles Antarctica, and within this range, only killer whales rival them as predators. One notable characteristic of leopard seals are their short, clear whiskers, used to sense their environment. These clever creatures will hunt the seal either alone or in packs by deploying intelligent strategies to corner and consume them. 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