Adult Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) hauled out on ice near the Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica, Polar Regions

weddell seal leptonychotes weddellii antarctic ice polar regions marine mammal resting wildlife nature antarctic peninsula cold climate ocean life seals animal behavior biodiversity antarctic environment ecosystems resting habits fur adaptation mammals solitary animals marine ecosystems polar wildlife frozen habitat fauna natural habitat conservation protection cold weather snow ice floes wildlife observation natural behavior marine biology seal behavior apex predators antarctic research environment conservation ocean conservation habitat preservation