Elephant Seals: Population Ecology, Behavior, and Physiology

Elephant seals are the largest of all seals and have recovered from near-extinction due to their impressive physiological extremes. This book-length discussion brings together worldwide expertise from scientists who describe and debate recent research, including the history and status of various populations, their life-history tactics, and other findings obtained with modern microcomputer diving instruments. It is essential for all marine mammalogists and illuminates current debates about species extinctions and possible means of preventing them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 434 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Elephant seals, the colossal giants of the marine world, stand as awe-inspiring creatures among the diverse array of marine mammals. Their remarkable journey from the brink of extinction at the turn of the nineteenth century, when ruthless seal hunters nearly wiped out the entire northern species, is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. No other vertebrate has faced such a dire threat and managed to recover in such a complete manner. The physiological extremes that elephant seals can endure are truly remarkable. During their long foraging migrations, females undergo an extraordinary feat by fasting for an entire month while lactating, a period during which they lose forty percent of their body weight. In contrast, the largest breeding males embark on an even more extreme fast, lasting over one hundred days during the breeding seasons. During this time, both sexes endure extreme weight loss, showcasing the remarkable adaptations of these magnificent creatures.

Elephant seals are remarkable divers, spending more time underwater than most whales and diving to greater depths than any other marine mammal. Their foraging migrations span vast distances, and they constantly dive, exploring the depths of the ocean in search of food. These dives are not mere recreational activities but essential for their survival, as they provide the nutrients and energy required for their long journeys.

In this comprehensive book, renowned experts from around the globe gather to present their latest research on elephant seals. The book encompasses a wide range of topics, including the history and status of various populations, their life-history tactics, and the groundbreaking findings obtained through the use of modern microcomputer diving instruments attached to free-ranging seals. This cutting-edge methodology has opened up new avenues for understanding these remarkable creatures and their behavior.

Elephant Seals is an essential resource for marine mammalogists, providing valuable information and innovative methodological approaches. It sheds light on current debates about species extinctions and offers potential solutions for preventing such catastrophic events. The book is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Press's commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds and giving them a platform to express their ideas. By utilizing print-on-demand technology, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible to a broader audience, ensuring that the insights and discoveries of past generations continue to inspire and inform future generations.

Originally published in 1994, Elephant Seals has stood the test of time and remains a seminal work in the field of marine mammalogy. Its timeless insights and comprehensive coverage make it a must-read for anyone interested in the wonders of the ocean and the remarkable creatures that inhabit it.

Weight: 816g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520368170