Antarctica's Wildlife
Antarctic animals are the most abundant and best known animals from the southern continent. Penguins, whales seals, albatrosses, other seabirds and a whole range of invertebrates you may have not heard of such as krill which form the basis of the Antarctic food web. These are the charismatic mega fauna that you have seen pictures and film of, though you may be surprised to find that they live far more interesting and complex lives than you imagine.
Antarctica is home to many extraordinary animals, including 8 species of penguins that nest of breed in and around the Great White Continent. Amongst those penguins you'll see the Emperor, Chinstrap, King, Rockhopper, Macaroni, Gentoo and Adelie. Antarctica's waters are also home to Minke and Humpback whales which can often be spotted around Neko Bay, in the southern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. Seals are also a common site, including Elephant, Crabeater, Fur, Leopard and Weddell species, the latter of which was named after James Weddell, a skilled 19th Century seal hunter!
If you're very interested in seeing a particular animal whilst you're in Antarctica, please let us know so that we can direct you to the right trips. For example, you can do an Antarctic cruise at Christmas in the Weddell Sea, which is the realm of the Emperor and King penguins as well as Crabeater seals (they actually only eat krill) and Weddell seals.
Antarctica is home to many extraordinary animals, including 8 species of penguins that nest of breed in and around the Great White Continent. Amongst those penguins you'll see the Emperor, Chinstrap, King, Rockhopper, Macaroni, Gentoo and Adelie. Antarctica's waters are also home to Minke and Humpback whales which can often be spotted around Neko Bay, in the southern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. Seals are also a common site, including Elephant, Crabeater, Fur, Leopard and Weddell species, the latter of which was named after James Weddell, a skilled 19th Century seal hunter!
If you're very interested in seeing a particular animal whilst you're in Antarctica, please let us know so that we can direct you to the right trips. For example, you can do an Antarctic cruise at Christmas in the Weddell Sea, which is the realm of the Emperor and King penguins as well as Crabeater seals (they actually only eat krill) and Weddell seals.
Some Endangered Animals
Abbott's BoobyScientific Name: Papasula abbotti
Status: Endangered Population: 9,000 Pop. trend: Decreasing The Abbott’s Booby has a unique breeding biology, behavior and bone structure that sets it apart from the six other booby species. This unique booby is threatened by a large number of factors, not least of which is the yellow crazy ant. This invasive ant species causes havoc with the island’s ecology, killing red crabs that play a key role in soil fertilization and turnover. Tristan AlbatrossScientific Name: Diomedea dabbenena
Status: Critically endangered Population: 7,100 Pop. trend: Decreasing The Tristan albatross is a large seabird from the albatross family. One of the great albatrosses of the genus Diomedea, it was only widely recognised as a full species in 1998.It is practically indistinguishable from the wandering albatross at sea; the Tristan albatross is smaller and has a slightly darker back. The Tristan albatross is 110 cm (43 in) and has a wingspan of up to 3.05 m (10.0 ft). |