The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is a formidable predator found in the icy waters of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. Notable for its long, slender body and powerful jaws, it preys on penguins, fish, and other seals. Its distinctive spotted coat and solitary, curious nature set it apart.

Hydrurga leptonyx, commonly known as the leopard seal, is native to the Antarctic region. It is predominantly found around the continent of Antarctica, including the surrounding sub-Antarctic islands. The geographical distribution extends to the southern parts of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, reaching the coasts of South America, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa occasionally.

Leopard seals primarily inhabit the pack ice zones of Antarctica. They are adapted to cold polar environments with temperatures often below freezing. The habitat is characterized by a mixture of ice floes, open water, and sometimes the coastal regions of the Antarctic continent.

Leopard seals are apex predators within their ecological niche, feeding on a variety of prey including penguins, fish, krill, and other seals. They are solitary animals that rely on their excellent swimming ability and powerful jaws to hunt. The pack ice provides both a hunting ground and a place to rest and breed. Their distribution and hunting patterns are closely tied to the availability of prey and the seasonal movement of the ice.