Antarctic Wildlife

Antarctic wildlife comprises species uniquely adapted to survive in its harsh and remote environment. Biodiversity is concentrated in coastal areas and the Southern Ocean, where nutrient-rich waters sustain a complex food web. Phytoplankton blooms drive productivity, supporting vast populations of krill, a critical species upon which much of the Antarctic ecosystem depends.

Krill feed various fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, including species of penguins (notably the Emperor and Adélie), seals (such as Weddell and leopard seals), and several whale species, including the blue and humpback whales. During the austral summer, seasonal ice melt expands habitat availability, enabling intense breeding and feeding activities for these species. The delicate interdependence of these organisms highlights Antarctica’s ecosystem as a globally significant reservoir of biodiversity and a critical component of marine ecological processes.

Click on the links below to find out more about wildlife in the Antarctic Peninsular.

Further Reading

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has some good information about marine wildlife on the Antarctic Peninsula.