Hydrurga leptonyx, also known as leopard seal, are incredible creatures that possess traits of survival and adaptability. Their widespread residency throughout the Antarctic and some parts north of that area combined with their diversified eating habits, places them as a marine mammal with high potential to survive environmental changes. This essay connects an understanding of the population and foraging ecology of Hydrurga leptonyx with their future existence in relation to the threat of climate change. Currently, leopard seals are stated as of least concern in the Red List category, however the daunting effects of climate change may shockingly expedite a shift of additional concern for these species (Hückstädt, 2015).
Leopard seals have a …show more content…
The foraging ecology of leopard seals has been well-documented by various methods such as collecting faeces, observing predatory behavior, and examining stomach contents (Southwell et al., 2012). Leopard seals usually prey on warm-blooded species and prey also differs according to sex or age classes (Casaux, 2009). Juvenile seals normally feed on krill, while older seals consume seals, penguins, and other species (Hiruki, Schwartz, & Boveng, 1999). Generally, prey includes cephalopods, penguins, fish, crustaceans, other seals such as Southern Elephant, Fur, and Crabeater seals, and krill, which has been found to be the primary prey during the winter (Southwell et al., 2012; Hückstädt, 2015). However, the importance and prevalence of prey depends on the season and the location that leopard seals reside …show more content…
Direct effects can be categorized as rising sea levels, reduced ice, and changes in water temperature. Indirect effects can be categorized as changes in abundance, range of migration, distribution, prey availability, community, timing of breeding, the composition of competitors and predators, and additional influences to diseases. Three responses can be made by species in relation to climate change. First, species can change their geographical distribution to one that is more in tune with their original environment. Second is that species can remain where they are, however, the species will attempt to adapt to the environment by plastic responses such as timing of growth and breeding, or by genetic response such as an increase in the threshold of heat tolerance. Third is extinction (Learmonth et al., 2006). It has been found that there is a negative interaction between sea-ice extent and distance to the coastline. Leopard seals spent relatively longer periods of time near the coastline when the sea-ice extent was low. Despite their ability to disperse beyond their given sea-ice extent, leopard seals are limited in their habitat due to sea-ice coverage, and evidently spend more time on the coastline (Meade et al., 2015). If the area they are stuck in becomes endangered, such as the coastline, they will ultimately only have the option of adapting to their new
Leopard seals have a …show more content…
The foraging ecology of leopard seals has been well-documented by various methods such as collecting faeces, observing predatory behavior, and examining stomach contents (Southwell et al., 2012). Leopard seals usually prey on warm-blooded species and prey also differs according to sex or age classes (Casaux, 2009). Juvenile seals normally feed on krill, while older seals consume seals, penguins, and other species (Hiruki, Schwartz, & Boveng, 1999). Generally, prey includes cephalopods, penguins, fish, crustaceans, other seals such as Southern Elephant, Fur, and Crabeater seals, and krill, which has been found to be the primary prey during the winter (Southwell et al., 2012; Hückstädt, 2015). However, the importance and prevalence of prey depends on the season and the location that leopard seals reside …show more content…
Direct effects can be categorized as rising sea levels, reduced ice, and changes in water temperature. Indirect effects can be categorized as changes in abundance, range of migration, distribution, prey availability, community, timing of breeding, the composition of competitors and predators, and additional influences to diseases. Three responses can be made by species in relation to climate change. First, species can change their geographical distribution to one that is more in tune with their original environment. Second is that species can remain where they are, however, the species will attempt to adapt to the environment by plastic responses such as timing of growth and breeding, or by genetic response such as an increase in the threshold of heat tolerance. Third is extinction (Learmonth et al., 2006). It has been found that there is a negative interaction between sea-ice extent and distance to the coastline. Leopard seals spent relatively longer periods of time near the coastline when the sea-ice extent was low. Despite their ability to disperse beyond their given sea-ice extent, leopard seals are limited in their habitat due to sea-ice coverage, and evidently spend more time on the coastline (Meade et al., 2015). If the area they are stuck in becomes endangered, such as the coastline, they will ultimately only have the option of adapting to their new