Wildlife of Antarctica

A quick guide to the animals of Antarctica

Antarctica offers an intimate look at unique fauna and life that have adapted to the most extreme climate on Earth. Bitterly cold winds whip across the landscape. Winter temperatures can reach deep into the negatives, and the winter night can last for months. But these seemingly barren landscapes are home to a rich diversity of wildlife—both on land and under the sea—that has evolved to survive these harsh conditions.

Observing Wildlife on an Antarctic Expedition Cruise

Aurora Expeditions Greg Mortimer Antarctic Explorer

Marked by harsh temperatures and savage terrain, Antarctica is home to a rich diversity of wildlife that inhabits the towering glaciers, mountains, bays, fjord, pebble beaches, and rugged coastlines. Here you can witness the majestic beauty of whales that migrate from afar—orca, humpback, sperm, mink, and fin whales, depending on the season—off the Ross Sea and near the shore waters around the Antarctic Peninsula. The ice-covered terrain and rugged coastlines of Antarctica offer up wild encounters with an array of seal species: Antarctica fur leopard, Ross, Southern Elephant, Crabeater, and Weddell seals.

Birdwatching is a personal highlight for our guides, whether it's the adorable tuxedo-clad Adélie or the Macaroni penguin with its comically large bushy eyebrows. Look up to the sky and spot flocks of seabirds flying over the Southern Ocean, from albatrosses to petrels. On Snow Hill Island, one of the world’s largest colonies of Emperor penguins resides, the only Antarctic animal to breed during the harsh winters.

Below is a list of the most important species that our polar experts have helped map. Click on each species to learn more about its habitat and where you might be able to see it on board one of our Polar Expedition Cruises.

The Penguins of Antarctica

The Whales of Antarctica

The Seals of Antarctica

The Birds of Antarctica

Learn More about Wildlife in Antarctica in our Expert Talks Videos

Polartours ambassador Kevin has recorded a number of Expert Talk videos, ranging from topics such as "Packing List" to "The Antarctic Peninsula." You can find all clips on the Polartours site, including talks on animals, destinations, or FAQs. Or visit our YouTube Channel to find all the videos in one place.

Download Polar Guidebook

To give you a taste of what our tours are all about, our polar experts have created a fascinating guidebook about the Arctic and Antarctica. In more than 80 pages, you'll find vital information on Arctic and Antarctic destinations, wildlife, and helpful tips on how to plan your trip.

Threats to Wildlife in Antarctica

CLIMATE CHANGE: Climate change is having a profound effect on Antarctica’s delicate ecosystems. Rising temperatures are causing the sea ice to shrink, which directly affects species like penguins, seals, and krill, the foundation of the Antarctic food chain. Emperor and Adélie penguins are particularly vulnerable, as they depend on stable sea ice for breeding and feeding. Changes in sea ice also impact seal populations and the fish species they hunt. As temperatures continue to rise, these vital habitats are increasingly at risk, threatening the balance of life in the Southern Ocean.

OVERFISHING: Overfishing in the Southern Ocean poses a significant threat to Antarctic marine life. Species like the Antarctic toothfish and krill are heavily targeted by fisheries. Krill, in particular, is a critical food source for many Antarctic animals, including whales, seals, and penguins. The depletion of krill stocks due to industrial fishing can disrupt the entire food chain. International conservation efforts are in place to regulate fishing in these waters, but the ongoing pressure on these resources continues to challenge the survival of Antarctic wildlife.

POLLUTION: Though Antarctica is remote, it is not immune to pollution. Marine debris, such as plastic waste, often drifts into the Southern Ocean, where it can entangle wildlife or be ingested by seabirds and marine animals. Chemical pollutants, carried by ocean currents or brought in by migratory species, accumulate in the food chain, affecting seals, penguins, and fish. The extreme cold and long winter nights in Antarctica also slow the breakdown of pollutants, meaning they persist in the environment for far longer than in warmer regions. This pollution not only endangers wildlife but also the pristine nature of Antarctica’s ecosystems.

Why Protecting Wildlife in Antarctica Matters

PRESERVATION OF UNIQUE ECOSYSTEMS: Antarctica's wildlife, from penguins to seals and whales, is integral to the delicate balance of its ecosystems. Protecting these species ensures the stability of the entire food chain in this pristine environment.

GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY IMPACT: The survival of Antarctic wildlife has global significance. Many species, such as whales and seabirds, migrate across oceans, connecting ecosystems and contributing to the overall health of marine life worldwide.

SCIENTIFIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL INSIGHTS: Antarctica offers a unique opportunity for scientific research. Protecting its wildlife and habitats allows scientists to study the impacts of climate change and environmental shifts, offering insights that can benefit global conservation efforts.