Leopard Seal [Hydrurga leptonyx]
Description
The Leopard Seal is the second-largest species of seal in the Antarctic. Its length and weight are notable among seals, with the female being slightly larger. This species of seal is known for its reptilian-like head and long, flexible neck. It has large fore-flippers, making it a fast and graceful swimmer, but awkward on land. The Leopard Seal is solitary in nature and is known for its aggressive predatory behavior, feeding on a variety of prey including other seals, penguins, and krill. Its habitat is largely confined to the cold waters of the Antarctic but can occasionally be found in the sub-Antarctic regions during the colder months.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Mammals
Mammalia
|
| Order |
Carnivorans
Carnivora
|
| Family |
Earless Seals
Phocidae
|
| Genus |
Leopard Seals
Hydrurga
|