Elephant seals: population ecology, behavior, and physiology

Abstract

The largest of all seals, elephant seals rank among the most impressive of marine mammals. They are renowned for their spectacular recovery from near extinction at the end of the 19th century when seal hunters nearly eliminated the entire northern species. No other vertebrate has come so close to extinction and made such a complete recovery. The physiological extremes that elephant seals can tolerate are also remarkable. This study of the elephant seal brings together an international group of scientists who describe and debate recent research, including the history and status of various populations, their life-history tactics, and other findings obtained with the help of modern microcomputer diving instruments attached to free-ranging seals. It also aims to illuminate current debates about the species' extinction and possible means of prevention.