The leopard seal (Hydruga leptonyx) is one of the top carnivores of the Antarctic food chain, second only to the killer whale. Leopard seals grow to 11.5 feet long and can weigh 800 pounds. The abundant Antarctic krill makes up a part of their diet but leopard seals also feed on penguins and other seals. Active penguin colonies are some of their favorite hunting grounds. The seals patrol the water in front of the beach, hoping to intercept a penguin as it leaves or returns from a foraging run. Leopard seals have long, serpentine bodies, a large head and very powerful jaws with forward teeth adapted for tearing flesh and molar teeth adapted for straining krill.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 16 Dec 1999
From the Caledonian Star in Antarctica, 12/16/1999, National Geographic Endeavour
- Aboard the National Geographic Endeavour
- Antarctica
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