File:Bull southern elephant seal lying on sand - DPLA - 0dc8057df66cc52010a074641120f435.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Carnivora; Family: Phocidae; Genus: Mirounga; Genus species: Mirounga leonina. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: male: 490 cm; female: 300 cm; Weight: male: 2400 kg; female: 680 kg; Identification: The Southern elephant seal is dark silver in color. Males have a thick neck shield and large pendulous proboscis on their nose; Habitat: Oceans, coasts, ice packs; Diet: Carnivore: fish, squid; Reproduction: After a delayed implantation of three months and gestation period of 11 months, births occur from September to October. The single pup is weaned by 3.5 weeks of age; Social Structure: Breeding groups include a single male with a harem of up to 50 females. Sex ratios can range up to 300 females for every one male; Behavior: Elephant seals spend their winters at sea; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: These seals used to be hunted extensively for oil. They are now protected.