Recent studies have revealed intriguing details about the hunting tactics of southern elephant seals, showcasing their remarkable adaptations for deep-sea hunting. These findings provide insight into the complex behaviours and sensory mechanisms that enable these massive predators to thrive in their challenging underwater environment.

Advanced sensory adaptations

Elephant seals utilise a combination of passive and active hunting strategies. They often rely on their sensitive whiskers to detect the vibrations caused by prey movements, allowing them to home in on elusive targets such as squid and deep-sea fish. 

 A recent peer-reviewed study published in PLOS ONE details how these seals use their sensitive whiskers, or vibrissae, to detect minute changes in water movement and pressure. This sensory adaptation allows them to hunt effectively in pitch-black depths where visual cues are minimal or non-existent and to home in on elusive targets such as squid and deep-sea fish. 

Comparative analysis

Comparative studies between elephant seals and other marine predators, such as fur seals, reveal notable differences in hunting tactics. While both species are adept hunters, elephant seals' reliance on vibrissal sensing and deep-diving capabilities distinguishes their approach. Fur seals, in contrast, often use more visual and social hunting strategies.

These findings underscore the evolutionary adaptations of elephant seals that have enabled them to become proficient hunters in some of the most challenging marine environments. Understanding these tactics enhances our knowledge of elephant seal behaviour and provides broader insights into the adaptive strategies of large marine predators.