Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), hauled out for their annual catastrophic molt (moult) on the beach at Snow Island, Antarctica, Polar Regions

mirounga leonina haul out annual molt catastrophic molt snow island antarctica beach marine mammals wildlife polar regions animal behavior seal pups resting seals social interaction coastal habitat marine ecology conservation animal adaptation nature biodiversity seal colony molting process natural habitat ocean cold environment wildlife observation species behavior marine biology seasonal changes ecological balance endangered species antarctic ecosystem animal welfare climate impact mammal colony playful seals seal interactions unique wildlife antarctic fauna marine ecosystems animal life natural world coastal ecosystems wildlife protection molting season seal mothers animal groups seal vocalizations nutrient acquisition beach habitat