Aotearoa once home to elephant seals

Elephant seal migrations warn of ecosystem change

The beaches of Aotearoa New Zealand were once jam-packed with southern elephant seals, according to new research that reveals how the species has moved over thousands of years. “At the time of human arrival in New Zealand, you would be hard-pressed to find room on the beaches, with fur seals on the rocky headlands, prehistoric sealions and elephant seals on the sand, and lots of penguins,” says Nic Rawlence, Director of the Otago Palaeogenetics …

Aotearoa once home to elephant seals

Southern elephant seals are the 'canary in the coal mine' for the Southern Ocean, offering insight into how the ecosystem may react to future climate change and human impact, new research shows.

Aotearoa: The Once-Habitat of Elephant Seals Unveiled

Southern elephant seals, often referred to as the “canary in the coal mine” of the Southern Ocean, have become the focal point of new research investigating their historical and ecological significance in the context of climate change. Researchers are now uncovering their evolutionary journey and illustrating how these magnificent creatures serve as indicators of broader environmental shifts. The insights gained from these animals are critical, …