Beachmaster bull southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) attempting to mate at Peggotty Bluff, South Georgia, Polar Regions

beachmaster bull mirounga leonina mating peggotty bluff south georgia polar regions breeding season wildlife marine mammals seal colony natural behavior ocean coastal environment mating ritual seal behavior antarctic sub antarctic marine life seal pups male female reproductive season seal habitat biodiversity marine ecology animal interaction nature environment wildlife conservation coastal ecosystem south atlantic animal behavior eco tourism seal migration mammal reproduction foraging seal population aquatic mammals behavior study conservation areas marine biology antarctic peninsula colony dynamics natural habitat mating season parental care seal anatomy rocky shoreline oceanic environment