So that you’re pondering of heading to Antarctica. you’ll be joined by a bunch of fellow explorers and an expedition crew, however what about your different companions?
The online-footed, the sharp-toothed and the 100-ton. For a lot of, the distinctive wildlife flourishing on this harsh setting is what pulls them to the seventh continent. The place else are you able to see big pods of migrating whales skimming the water, great seabirds hovering overhead, or inquisitive penguins bumbling over plains of ice? There’s nowhere on earth like Antarctica, so learn on to find out about a number of the curious creatures you could meet in your journey.
1. Chinstrap penguin
Stuffed with character and each bit as cute, chinstrap penguins are a few of Antarctica’s most gregarious company. Gathering on land of their 1000’s annually, these little guys placed on a giant present to impress a mate, banging their flippers on their chest and screeching to the skies above. Named for the band of black feathers beneath their chins, these penguins are simple to outline and sometimes probably the most enjoyable to look at.
2. Orca
Recognizing an orca within the wild is a spotlight for a lot of who journey to Antarctica. Their shiny black our bodies and contrasting white bellies are a sight to behold. The nickname “killer whale” is a misnomer, as these marvellous mammals really belong to the dolphin household, however they appear like neither – these are some critically distinctive creatures! Males develop as much as nine-and-a-half metres (31 ft) in size, whereas females can attain seven metres (23 ft).
3. Elephant seal
As you’ll have guessed, elephant seals are a hefty bunch — the truth is, they’re the biggest species of seal on the planet. However their identify really comes from the proboscis of the grownup males, resembling the trunk of an elephant. The females have smaller noses and are a brown color, whereas the males are a darkish gray. One male can have a set of round 50 females to protect, however weighing as much as 3600 kilograms (4 tons), they’re usually as much as the problem.
4. King penguin
These good-looking birds are the second largest species of penguin and stay on the sub-Antarctic islands surrounding the continent, the place they are often discovered of their 1000’s. From a distance, the island of South Georgia seems to be black and white, however a more in-depth inspection will reveal 100,000 pairs of king penguins — a really outstanding sight. Dwelling as much as their identify, they make a regal impression with their tall stature and cravat of golden feathers.
5. Albatross
Not all of the motion takes place on the bottom — look to the skies and you may even see the awe-inspiring sight of an albatross hovering overhead. With a wingspan of as much as 3.45 metres (11.5 toes), the albatross is without doubt one of the world’s largest seabirds, making them simple to identify from under. They’re identified to observe ships, so your probabilities of recognizing one in every of these beauties in your Antarctic expedition is fairly good — simply you’ll want to have your digicam prepared!
Discover them on our Better of Antarctica expedition
6. Leopard seal
Equal components fascinating and terrifying, the leopard seal is one in every of Antarctica’s most ferocious predators. They’re the one seals that kill different mammals for meals, together with penguins, seal pups from different species, fish and krill. Not notably sociable fellows, you’re unlikely to see greater than one by one. Characterised by sharp enamel and the spots that give them their identify, leopard seals are definitely one thing to have a look at (from a secure distance, in fact!).
7. Humpback whale
Seeing a humpback whale in Antarctica is an actual deal with — with an infinite dimension of as much as 53 tons, not solely are they unbelievable to have a look at, however they typically breach, heaving themselves out of the water and flipping over earlier than crashing again down. With darkish colouring contrasting a white under-neck space, humpback whales are simple to determine, and when you’re fortunate you could hear their whale track, with every inhabitants singing a special tune.
This listing is simply the tip of the iceberg — take a look at our full vary of Antarctic expeditions to find these animals and a lot extra.