Male elephant seals with large harems die younger

1 year ago 92

Life

Mating with groups of up to 50 females and fighting off rivals takes its toll on dominant male elephant seals

By Christa Lesté-Lasserre

A male southern elephant seal bloodied after a fight with a rival

Agustin Esmoris/Minden Pictures/Alamy

Male elephant seals with the largest harems end up dying younger than those with fewer females.

Elephant seal harems consist of anywhere from five to 50 females associated with one dominant male. Subordinate males sometimes creep along the edges of the beach attempting to mate with some of the females.

Dominant males have to defend the females and their pups, as well as the beach they live on, from rivals, which can wear them down. They can also incur …

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account

More from New Scientist

Explore the latest news, articles and features

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Read Original