©Martin Brogger
November 17, 2022
Beat the Heat
- as seen by -
Martin Brogger
@tinchobrogger A southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) rests on the pebbly shores of Punta Ninfas, near Península Valdés, in Argentine Patagonia, where most southern elephant seals breed.
This juvenile male takes a break from fighting with other males of his age and endures sun radiation by throwing small wet, cool stones on his back. Younger males like this play fight to be prepared for battles over dominance ranks when they are older.
Southern elephant seals do well in Patagonia, their population is quite stable. Yet, the coasts adjacent to Valdés, where hundreds of animals gather, are not protected. Off-road vehicles cause disturbance during the breeding season.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This photo was chosen as one of the top submissions for Wild View’s Rock ‘n Roll assignment. Congratulations!
Nikon
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