Leopard Seal
By Sarah Zappala
Fact File
Latin NameHydrurga leptonyx
Conservation StatusNone
Location Antarctic & Sub-Antarctic Waters
ColourSilver/Grey
Length2.5 - 3.2 m (8.25 - 10 ft)
Weight200 - 455 Kgs (440 - 1,000 lbs)
Life Expectancy
26 Yrs
Diet
Behaviour
The Leopard Seal is considered to be the most aggressive of all the seal species out there. They only live in small groups which is also quite different from other species of seals. In fact, it isn’t uncommon to see them alone or only with one or two companions.
Predators
Habitat
Reproduction
When it is time to reproduce, the Leopard Seals will come together in larger groups. The females will carry a pup for eleven months and then deliver it in a hole they have dug in the ice. It can take several months during the pregnancy for her to complete this digging process in preparation for the offspring.The females do take very good care of their young pups until they are able to care for themselves.