Migration Patterns in Antarctica

Antarctica has no permanent residents. Seasonal population at research stations peaks at ~5,000 (summer) and drops to ~1,000 (winter). Animal migrations are driven by food, climate, sea ice:

• Whales arrive in summer for krill and fish.
• Seals come to breed and pup.
• Seabirds & Penguins (18 species) nest and raise young in summer.

These migrations sustain the ecosystem's food web and nutrient cycling.