South Georgia, Antarctica, is a 160-km-long arc of mountains and glaciers, half covered by snow and ice, half by rock and tundra-like vegetation.

A high density of krill (small, protein-rich crustaceans) in the surrounding seas helps make the island a haven for wildlife. Krill form a vital part of the Antarctic food chain but their own food source—phytoplankton growing on the underside of sea ice—is disappearing as ice cover shrinks.

Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins rest on an iceberg.

South Georgia is rich in wildlife due to the high density of krill in the surrounding seas. These small, protein-rich crustaceans are a vital part of the Antarctic food chain, but their own food source—phytoplankton growing on the underside of sea ice—is disappearing as ice cover shrinks.

An 18-day-old elephant seal pup. Only 40 kg at birth, the pup already weighs some 180 kg.

South Georgia is rich in wildlife due to the high density of krill in the surrounding seas. These small, protein-rich crustaceans are a vital part of the Antarctic food chain, but their own food source—phytoplankton growing on the underside of sea ice—is disappearing as ice cover shrinks.

Thousands of king penguins line a stream while molting.

South Georgia is a 160-km-long arc of mountains and glaciers, half covered by snow and ice, half by rock and tundra-like vegetation. A high density of krill (protein-rich crustaceans) in the surrounding seas helps make the island a haven for wildlife.

King penguins returning to feed their chicks ride the surf.

South Georgia is rich in wildlife due to the high density of krill in the surrounding seas. These small, protein-rich crustaceans are a vital part of the Antarctic food chain, but their own food source—phytoplankton growing on the underside of sea ice—is disappearing as ice cover shrinks.

An adult king penguin runs a gauntlet of chicks. The penguins feed their young on krill and fish.

South Georgia is rich in wildlife due to the high density of krill in the surrounding seas. These small, protein-rich crustaceans are a vital part of the Antarctic food chain, but their own food source—phytoplankton growing on the underside of sea ice—is disappearing as ice cover shrinks.

An elephant seal arrives to breed. Bulls can weigh over 3,000 kg, and fight each other for females. Winning bulls may breed with up to 100 mates.

South Georgia is a 160-km-long arc of mountains and glaciers, half covered by snow and ice, half by rock and tundra-like vegetation. A high density of krill (protein-rich crustaceans) in the surrounding seas helps make the island a haven for wildlife.

A large bull elephant seal, defeated by another male, moves away from the harem and throws sand over its back to keep cool, on a rare warm spring day.

South Georgia is a 160-km-long arc of mountains and glaciers, half covered by snow and ice, half by rock and tundra-like vegetation. A high density of krill (protein-rich crustaceans) in the surrounding seas helps make the island a haven for wildlife.

A light-mantled sooty albatross looks down on Gold Harbour, South Georgia, Antarctica. Adults take turns incubating eggs while their partner is at sea feeding on krill. In 1985, this shore was covered by a glacier, which has since retreated inland.

South Georgia is half covered by snow and ice, half by rock and tundra. A high density of krill (protein-rich crustaceans) in the surrounding seas helps make the island a haven for wildlife.

The eye of a Marconi penguin. The birds return each year to breed on the island of South Georgia, Antartica.

South Georgia is rich in wildlife due to the high density of krill in the surrounding seas. These small, protein-rich crustaceans are a vital part of the Antarctic food chain, but their own food source—phytoplankton growing on the underside of sea ice—is disappearing as ice cover shrinks.

A light-mantled sooty albatross flies over South Georgia, Antarctica. After months at sea feeding on krill, the birds come to the island to breed and raise a single chick.

South Georgia is a 160-km-long arc of mountains and glaciers, half covered by snow and ice, half by rock and tundra-like vegetation. A high density of krill (protein-rich crustaceans) in the surrounding seas helps make the island a haven for wildlife.

Gentoo and chinstrap penguins stand on the shore of Cooper Bay, South Georgia, Antarctica.

Chinstrap ranks were thinned by an outbreak of avian cholera in 2004. Numbers have been slow to recover. South Georgia is a 160-km-long arc of mountains and glaciers, half covered by snow and ice, half by rock and tundra-like vegetation. A high density of krill (protein-rich crustaceans) in the surrounding seas helps make the island a haven for wildlife.

Nature - 2nd prize