Being one of the coldest and driest continents on Earth it doesn’t come as a major shock that there is rarely any flora or fauna in the South Pole. There are a couple of greeneries and grasses that make bare to survive in the brutal conditions and two blossoming plants. Except for which, vegetation is almost non-existent.
In spite of the fact that Antarctica itself doesn’t bolster creature life, Antarctica is home to an energizing cluster of well-evolved creatures, birds, and marine life. Numerous creatures other than the well-known penguin can be found in the oceans and on the arctic grounds of Antarctica. Fish, seals, and krill are only a few that have made this mainland their home.
The most plentiful and most popular creatures from Antarctica, penguins, seals, whales, albatrosses, different seabirds and others reside here. The greater part of the creatures of the south polar district is regular guests depending on the seasonal changes.
These animals are able to survive in such harsh climatic conditions only because they are warm-blooded which is why most of these creatures would barely be able to survive outside of this environment.
Antarctica is largely inhabited by four major wildlife creatures namely Seals, Penguins, Whales, and Bugs. Apart from which bugs and a few birds take up a portion of the living population on the South Pole.
As charismatic as it may sound about all of this life ice-clad and surround by pristine white snow a major portion of this wildlife is dependent on ocean life completely or partially.
There are majorly five seals that live in the waters encompassing Antarctica: panther, crabeater, Weddell, Southern Fur, and the southern elephant. All of these seals are comparatively relaxed predators that chase by holding up in places while their prey is probably going to show up themselves.
We made the list of famous Antarctic Animals. Let’s know about the Antarctic Animals in details here.
Animals in Antarctica
Below is the list of Antarctic Animals that you should know about if you are interested in Flora and Fauna.
1. Leopard Seal
The greater part of these is probably not going to pay people any heed – with the exception of the Leopard seal. This seal, named for its trademark spots, has been known to get forceful with people in little boats. They’re furious predators and are readily glad to devour anything. In spite of the fact that they don’t assault people regularly, it’s ideal to give Leopard seals a wide billet.
2. Crabeater Seals
The crabeater seals, on the other hand, are the most sociable amongst the others. These are the most abundant mammals on earth apart from humans with an estimated 12 Million in number spread over a tiny region. Although they are named Crab eaters, ironically their staple food comprises Krills (Tiny invertebrates or bugs found in the Antarctic Ocean) and birds found lying low but rarely any crabs.
3. Southern Elephant Seal
The Southern Elephant Seal is the largest seal in the world. As the name suggests, these species are huge in size. However, the male and the female class show drastic differences in size, So much as the male can grow up to ten times the weight as that of the female. Female Southern Elephant seals typically weigh from 350 – 800 Kg while the males can be as large as 1500 – 3700 Kgs.
4. Southern Fur Seals
Southern Fur Seals are extremely gracious and equally endangered species. Similar shape and mannerism as a dog, it is just as adorable as a pup. Seals gained their alias as sea puppies from these species. Unlike the other seals, these types of Seal are more active and functional on land than in water. The early 1700’s witnessed near extinction of fur seals due to the widespread demand of their fibred fur.
5. Weddell seals
Weddell seals are extremely docile and well-mannered creatures. They Are pretty much harmless towards humans. They usually like to stay close to their snow holes when they are on the move. Their breeding colonies lie underwater where they prefer to swim together with their children.
6. Killer whales
Throughout the mid-year, Antarctic waters are loaded with a wide range of whales hoping to feed on fish, squid, penguins and microscopic fish. Killer whales are one of the animal types explorers may have the option to spot on their expedition. These are the most forceful and driven trackers, as their sights are determined to seals, ocean winged creatures and different whales. They’re superbly equipped for bringing down animals that are a lot bigger than they are if they chase in gatherings.
In spite of being forceful toward other untamed life, Killer whales aren’t known for assaulting people in nature. Some Killer whales in bondage have assaulted their coaches, however, as a rule, people aren’t at a specific hazard around these animals. Other whale species that move south for during the summer are humpback, orca and the biggest creature on earth, the blue whale.
7. Penguins
The world’s most-loved clumsy Antarctic animal and one of the famous antarctic animals, penguins, for the most part, eat krill and exceptionally little fish. They invest the majority of their energy in the water, however, for the most part, they are found on land to mate and raise their chicks. Although Antarctic penguins don’t consider people a danger or a feast, it’s despite everything best to practice alert when around them. They’re not bashful around individuals, and may come straight up to you – yet they can and oftentimes do nibble, so it’s wise to treat them in the same manner in which you would treat some other wild creature.
Read More, Antarctica Travel Guide: Know all about Antarctica Tourism
No other land animals are found in the South but a range of animals reside in the wide oceans unseen to the voyagers. The Albatross, Krill, Adelie penguin, Orcas, Rockhopper Penguin, Leopard Seals, and the Blue Whale are a few examples of the same.
All in all the natural life of Antarctica is basically just extremophiles, adjusting to the dryness and low temperatures. No outrageous climate of the inside complexes to the comparatively warmer weather of the Antarctic Peninsula and the sub-Antarctic islands, which also have fresh water. A significant part of the sea around the territory is secured via ocean ice. The seas themselves are a progressively steady condition forever, both in the water section and on the seabed.
Antarctica’s rich and contradictory feral life makes it one of the most perfect and wild places to visit on earth, with penguins, ocean birds, seals and whales living one next to the other. Various pieces of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands are known for their range of penguins, whales, and seals which would be a worthy sight on an expedition to the South Pole.
If you love study of nature and its beautiful creatures, then this list of antarctic animals can help you a lot. Earth is full of beautiful and incredible wonders, explore but don’t exploit.