Weddell seals usually have their
pups on sea-ice, getting in and out of the sea through a breathing hole. These
breathing holes are guarded and kept open by the males during the time when the
females give birth. The male guarding the hole will defend a territory
beneath the ice against other males for access to mates. The females are
ready to breed again shortly after the birth of the pup so the males that successfully
defend a breathing hole will mate with the mother seals that use this hole, typically
this will be a ratio of about 10 to one.
Photo; © Paul Ward - Pentax equipment,
100mm
lens, 35mm film, K64.
This picture may not be copied or used in any manner without
prior written permission.
