Study reveals hidden hunting strategies of leopard seals, unraveling their impact on Antarctic ecosystems

ATLANTA (June 24, 2025) – A new study led by researchers at Baylor University and University of Rhode Island and supported by a scientist with Georgia Aquarium has uncovered surprising details about leopard seals’ hunting habits, revealing that while the species is broadly considered a generalist predator, individual seals tend to specialize in their diets—sometimes with major consequences for other animals in the ecosystem.

The study, published in Ecology and Evolution, analyzed whisker samples from 34 individual leopard seals in the Western Antarctic Peninsula. The researchers found that most individual seals have unique and consistent feeding strategies. Some specialize in different types of prey, while others switch their diets over time. A handful of these specialists appear to have significantly impacted local prey populations, including the declining Antarctic fur seal population.

“Even though leopard seals as a species eat a wide variety of prey, most individuals actually focus on just a few types of food,” said Dr. Emily Sperou, lead author of the study. “This means that a few highly specialized seals can have a much bigger effect on certain prey populations than we previously thought.”

Researchers used isotopic analysis of leopard seal whiskers to track their feeding patterns over multiple years. The researchers found that while some seals maintained the same diet year after year, others switched trophic levels—moving between eating smaller prey like krill and targeting larger animals like penguins or seals.

The findings highlight the need to look beyond species-wide dietary trends and examine individual hunting behaviors, particularly in apex predators. “A few specialists can help shape entire ecosystems,” said co-author Dr. Patrick Charapata with Georgia Aquarium. “Understanding these patterns in leopard seals and other top predators can help us better predict and manage changes to prey populations and the greater ecosystem these species live in.”

This research was made possible through a collaborative effort with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which provided the majority of the leopard seal whisker samples used in the study. The contribution underscores the importance of long-term partnerships in advancing marine science.

This study emphasizes the importance of continued research on leopard seal populations across their range to fully grasp their role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem.

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 ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

 Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
The University of Rhode Island is a global education leader and the state of Rhode Island’s flagship public research institution. URI offers its undergraduate, graduate, and professional students distinctive educational opportunities designed to meet the global challenges of today’s world and the rapidly evolving needs of tomorrow. Founded in 1892, URI now enrolls more than 18,000 students and has earned the prestigious Carnegie R1 designation for high research activity. As a land- and sea-grant institution, URI is a key driver of economic development in Rhode Island and contributes significantly to the health and vitality of the state and New England region. Discover more at www.uri.edu.

ABOUT GEORGIA AQUARIUM 
Georgia Aquarium is a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Atlanta, Ga. that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Georgia Aquarium is committed to working on behalf of all marine life through education, preservation, exceptional animal care, and research across the globe. Georgia Aquarium continues its mission each day to inspire, educate, and entertain its millions of guests about the aquatic biodiversity throughout the world through its engaging exhibits and tens of thousands of animals across its eight major galleries. 

Media Contacts:

Paige Hale / Georgia Aquarium / Phale@georgiaaquarium.org

Kelly Craine / Baylor University / kelly_craine@baylor.edu

Kristen Curry/ University of Rhode Island / kristen.curry@uri.edu

Visuals (Photo credit: Renato Borras-Chavez): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-97daO7ReI-Z5uNjkaKTskRqA-f2kUv-?usp=sharing