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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddellii), a "true seal", is named after Sir James Weddell, commander of British sealing expeditions in the Weddell Sea. They occur in large numbers and inhabit the circumpolar region of the southern hemisphere, including Antarctica. It is estimated that there are approximately 800,000 individuals today. They can regularly be seen in the many seasonally ice-free islands along the Antarctic Peninsula. These pinnipeds are not thought to migrate, and any local movements are usually the result of changes in ice conditions.
Weddell Seals are known for their very deep dives -- which may reach some 700 meters. They can also stay underwater for approximately 80 minutes. Such deep dives involve foraging sessions, as well as searching for cracks in the ice sheets that can lead to new breathing holes. The seals can remain submerged for such long periods of time because of high concentrations of myoglobin in the muscles.
Information source
IUCN
Personal Wew
This photo is taken in Decepción Islan in Antarctica. Original format. |
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