What spot on earth has never been settled by man, is dark for most of the winter and 98% ice? Give me an ‘A’ Give me a ‘N’, you got it Antarctica! Although Antarctica may be cold and dark it is definitely not empty, more wildlife lives here than you might think.
Who Lives in the Antarctic?
- 67 insect species
- Tons of plants like 300 species of non-marine algea including snow algae that forms some really colourful designs in the snow, 150 species of lichens and 30 moss species
- Marine mammals like whales, dolphins, porpoise and seals.
- 35 species of birds including the albatross, petrels, culls, cormorants, terns and one the cutest flightless birds penguins!
Pile on the Penguin Photos
Photos Courtesy of Amelia McGoldrick
Save the Antarctic
The Antarctic is such an incredible place that it is no wonder more people then ever are visiting. This increase in human activity in the region can pose a threat as wildlife disturbance, noise and water pollution creates big changes. Other threats to the Antarctic include climate change, ocean acidification and invasive species. These threats put the species that call this area home at risk, at least 5 of the 17 penguin species are at serious risk of extinction. You can help by learning more about penguins, taking action against climate change, and sharing your Antarctic knowhow with friends and family.
Professional Penguin Photographer
These photos are brought to us from Amelia, a freelance photographer who has visited the South Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic. On her first trip in 2012 Amelia saw 5 different species of penguins. A Rockhopper penguin colony in the warmer climates of South Georgia and South Falklands. King penguins and their chicks, these baby penguins are beautiful, big and fluffy, a favourite of Amelia. Further south she saw Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins and an Adelee penguin mixed into a Chinstrap colony, perhaps lost or just making new friends. Find out more about Amelia’s photography: