Environment & Wildlife

Plant species are rare and small in size but more than probably expected by many visitors. Most of them are lichens, mosses, and algae. Most of the flora and fauna is concentrated in coastal and marine areas. The reason for the limited vegetation are not only the freezing temperatures, but also the lack of moisture in the air, the lack of sunlight during winter months and the poor soil quality. The native land animals are all invertebrates with the largest being a midge of just 1 cm length. Many of those species are parasites of seals and birds.

The continents ecosystem depends on the sea, providing resources for most species. Compared to the land, the Antarctic waters of the Southern Ocean are very biological productive, even more than the waters in other areas of the world. Due to the cold of the water, its ability to hold dissolved gasses and minerals is better than in warmer areas. In addition to that, the often strong winds and currents cause the sea to keep essential nutrients such as phosphates, nitrates and other minerals in constant suspension and therefore available for utilization. These are very good conditions for the photosynthesis of phytoplankton and the provision of oxygen for other marine organisms. This leads to a high growth of plankton, which is in the lowest rank of the food chain of almost all species of the Antarctic. Phytoplankton, plant organisms of algae and responsible for photosynthesis, is feeding zooplankton, which in turn feed larger organisms such as the shrimp like krill.

Thanks to these good conditions, the Southern Ocean is rich of fish, seal, whales and many birds. There are 45 species of birds breeding, thereof 7 species of penguins such as the Emperor, Adelie, Rockhopper, and King penguins. Because of the extreme climate of Antarctica, the animals have developed adaptations to deal with the living conditions of the continent.

In 1964, international measures were adopted to provide protection for all plants and animals on the Antarctic continent. Animals and plants may not be collected or killed without a license. There are also protected areas on the continent of which tourists must stay out of. In the past, distances to approach wildlife where tried to regulate but were then dismissed and most tour operators are using their own guidelines.