ANTARCTIC
Seashore
The seashores of the Antarctic continent...
For the page on the birds of the Antarctic shore
Pinnipeds: Seals
(Deception Island)The two main groups of seals in Antarctica; the 'true seals' (seal on the left) that hump around, and the 'eared seals' (seal on the right) that can bound along on their fore-flippers.
Fur-Seals
Arctocephalus gazella, 'Antarctic Fur-seal'.
True Seals
Leptonychotes weddellii, 'Weddell Seal'.
Hydrurga leptonyx, 'Leopard Seal'. When hauled out, they have a distinctive 'lumpy' shape.
The massive head of the Leopard Seal.
Lobodon carcinophaga, 'Crabeater Seal' (Paradise Harbour). Despite the name, they do not eat crabs, but specialize on krill, with 90% of their diet made up of these crustaceans.
Humans
Boats, buildings and other human-made materials tend to last a long time and not break down in the dry cold environment.
Antarctica is one of the most heavily visited areas by expedition and other ships. There are strict regulations on the numbers of visitors allowed at the sites, and rules that must be followed. Most companies belong to IAATO (the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators). They require that the majority of the guides that work in Antarctica must pass an annual test.