Crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) hauled out on ice floe in Neko Harbor near the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica, Polar Regions

crabeater seals lobodon carcinophaga ice floe ncko harbor antarctic peninsula antarctica rest marine mammals polar regions wildlife seals adaptation ice habitat ocean cold climate animal behavior aquatic life biodiversity nature marine ecosystem habitat sea ice conservation wildlife observation research ecosystem balance seal population icy waters fauna coastal marine biology seasonal behavior feeding mammals endangered species natural habitat oceanography predator prey non polar subantarctic bioindicators natural environment animal resting aquatic mammals physical characteristics marine life wildlife sanctuary ecological balance observed behavior