Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddellii), hauled out on ice at Half Moon Island, Antarctica, Southern Ocean, Polar Regions

weddell seal leptonychotes weddellii antarctica southern ocean ice polar regions marine mammal wildlife resting haul out seal freezing temperatures antarctic ecosystem seal behavior cold habitat animal behavior native species predator coastal ice natural habitat animal resting marine wildlife fauna ice floe subantarctic marine biology biodiversity wildlife conservation arctic species ocean life icy landscape winter habitat antarctic region ocean ecosystem biological diversity wildlife exploration seal colony hunting ground habitat loss environmental awareness natural environment ecological balance adaptation marine conservation animal protection cold climate ocean habitat research site ecological study icebergs