Ukrainian polar explorers capture incredible photos of seals 'invasion' in Antarctica

Antarctica, Mon, May 20, 2024 - 14:43

The polar explorers showed a huge number of fur seals (photo: facebook.com/AntarcticCenter)

A large number of Antarctic fur seals were seen on Galindez Island, where the Akademik Vernadsky station is located. Among them was also one southern elephant seal, according to the National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine.

Large gathering of seals

Svitozar Davydenko, a biologist of the 29th Ukrainian Antarctic expedition, says that he counted 81 fur seals on the island.

The polar explorers say that many seals were also seen on neighboring islands. For example, 19 of these seals were resting on Uruguay Island, which also belongs to our Argentine Islands archipelago.

In general, Antarctic fur seals often congregate in the Vernadsky area in the fall during seasonal migrations. Right now it is autumn in the Antarctic. As a result of global warming, they now stay here longer than before.

Unlike domestic cats, these animals are aggressive and not meek at all. They fight for their territory, growling at other males and even polar explorers.

Fur seals do not eat penguins, but feed mainly on krill, fish, and squid. In turn, they become prey for killer whales and sea lions.

"This species of seal used to be actively hunted for its valuable fur. But since the signing of the Antarctic Treaty, they, like all other animals on the icy continent, are protected and must not be disturbed," the experts say.

Ukrainian polar explorers capture incredible photos of seals 'invasion' in Antarctica Ukrainian polar explorers showed a large number of fur seals (photo: facebook.com/AntarcticCenter)