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

crabeater seal lobodon carcinophaga ice floe antarctic peninsula polar region seals marine mammals wildlife resting socializing adaptation climate antarctica marine ecosystem cold environment fauna ice summer melting ice ocean behavior habitat wildlife conservation northern ice polar habitats marine life coastal ice animal interactions species natural habitat ice pack marine biology wildlife observation nature ecological significance biodiversity antarctic ecosystem ecological adaptation wildlife protection marine conservation pinnipeds habitat preservation