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[[File:Crabeater Pléneau Bay.jpg|300px|left]]
[[File:Orca regalia.jpg|300px|left]]
The '''[[crabeater seal]]''' (''Lobodon carcinophaga'') is a true seal with a circumpolar distribution around the coast of [[Antarctica]]. They are medium- to large-sized (over 2 m in length), relatively slender and pale-colored, found primarily on the free-floating [[pack ice]] that extends seasonally out from the Antarctic coast, which they use as a platform for resting, mating, social aggregation and accessing their prey. They are by far the most abundant seal species in the world. While population estimates are uncertain, there are at least 7 million and possibly as many as 75 million individuals. This success of this species is due to its specialized predation on the abundant [[Antarctic krill]] of the [[Southern Ocean]], for which it has uniquely adapted, sieve-like tooth structure. Indeed, its scientific name, translated as "lobe-toothed (''lobodon'') crab eater (''carcinophaga'')", refers specifically to the finely lobed teeth adapted to filtering their small crustacean prey.
The '''[[Illustrious Antarctic Order of the Orca]]''', commonly referred to simply as the '''Order of the Orca''' is the highest [[Orders of Westarctica|Order of Westarctica]]. The intention of the order is to honor those who have provided a lifetime of service and dedication to [[Westarctica]] and its ideals. The order was formally established on 10 July 2019.


Despite its name, crabeater seals do not eat crabs. As well as being an important [[krill]] predator, the crabeater seal is an important component of the diet of [[leopard seal|leopard seals]] (''Hydrurga leptonyx''), which consume about 80% of all crabeater pups.
In late 2018, as part of [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|Grand Duke]] [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis']] focus on building a greater sense of community within the nation, he approved the creation of a new order, to serve as the highest honor he could bestow upon a Westarctican citizen. At that time, the [[Order of the Snowflake]] was the only order readily available for awarding to Westarctican citizens, due to the specific natures of the other orders. After conferring with advisors, Grand Duke Travis decided to establish another knighthood for Westarctica that would be more exclusively reserved for Westarctican citizens.  


'''([[crabeater seal|Full Article...]])'''
'''([[Illustrious Antarctic Order of the Orca|Full Article...]])'''

Revision as of 21:29, 23 May 2020

Orca regalia.jpg

The Illustrious Antarctic Order of the Orca, commonly referred to simply as the Order of the Orca is the highest Order of Westarctica. The intention of the order is to honor those who have provided a lifetime of service and dedication to Westarctica and its ideals. The order was formally established on 10 July 2019.

In late 2018, as part of Grand Duke Travis' focus on building a greater sense of community within the nation, he approved the creation of a new order, to serve as the highest honor he could bestow upon a Westarctican citizen. At that time, the Order of the Snowflake was the only order readily available for awarding to Westarctican citizens, due to the specific natures of the other orders. After conferring with advisors, Grand Duke Travis decided to establish another knighthood for Westarctica that would be more exclusively reserved for Westarctican citizens.

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