Leopard seals in the arctic
Posted by Wolfen0001@reddit | marinebiology | View on Reddit | 5 comments
If a population of 1.000 leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) was somehow transported from their home in antarctica to the arctic. How would they interact with their new environment?
I believe that they would be able too adapt in the new environment. It exists plenty of similar food sources for them to eat and the weather won’t be a problem. The one thing I am unsure about is the polar bears. The leopard seals would be unfamiliar with a large predator on land, but the seals should be smart enough to understand that they are a threat.
If you have your own what ifs. Please post it below
I am unsure if the question is breaking rule 3? If it does I can remove it.
curlyfriezzzzz@reddit
A bit complex question because many animals can have complex eating patterns and take what I’m gonna say a grain of salt but it will really depend if they can adapt to new prey. Another issue is predator interaction, sure they will identify the danger but they are in environment they are unfamiliar with so hiding will feel uncomfortable (this is assuming they aren’t raised there)
curlyfriezzzzz@reddit
If you would want to learn more look for research papers on the eating patterns of leopard seals
Wolfen0001@reddit (OP)
https://animalbiotelemetry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40317-015-0059-2
I found a research paper about them. I would say that the leopard seals would do well around a bird island were auk birds are nesting.
kalsoy@reddit
But if the birds remain naieve and the leopards consume too many too fast, they could wipe out an entire colony. Especially the chicks, which can only swim for months before they can fly. That will be catastrophic.
I think ringed seals could also be threatened in their existence, in areas where they live in high enough densities to feed multiple leopard seals. Harp and hooded seal pups are already extremely vulnerable. Perfect snacks.
Wolfen0001@reddit (OP)
Would the leopard seal be able too compete with the Steller sea lion or would the sea lion have a to big home advantage?