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

crabeater seal lobodon carcinophaga antarctica ice floe polar regions marine mammal wildlife antarctic peninsula ocean cold environment seal behavior resting ice snow marine ecosystem animal habitat antarctic wildlife polar climate natural habitat seal colony sub antarctic animal observation frozen landscape ice formations seal population coastal habitat southern ocean ecological balance ice cap marine biology biodiversity nature endangered species wildlife conservation cold climate animal migration aquatic life seal characteristics coastlines marine conservation wildlife protection outdoor adventure polar exploration arctic environment research expedition sea ice natural beauty ecological zones