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The crabeater seal is a true seal with a circumpolar distribution around the coast of Antarctica. They are 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.

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 seals, which consume about 80% of all crabeater pups.

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Thailand meeting

• 20 Apr - The Second Senate of Westarctica is seated.
• 16 Apr - Micronations, a documentary featuring Westarctica is scheduled to be screened at the Tribeca Film Festival.
• 13 Mar - Grand Duke Travis meets with the Consul-General to Southeast Asia in Bangkok, Thailand.
• 1 Mar - The 2026 Count of Krigsvold Fellowship opens for applications.
• 28 Mar - The Royal Westarctican Navy becomes registered with the UK's National Independent Lifeboat Association.
• 22 Feb - Grand Duke Travis is elected Secretary-General of the Conference of Santiago.
• 20 Feb - Competitive runner Tyce Xyooj becomes an official sporting representative of Westarctica.
• 16 Jan - Prince James, Duke of Faulkender becomes the first commissioned officer of the Royal Westarctican Military Academy.

This month in history 01 April - The Westarctica Civilian Corps was created by the Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration. (2018) 01 April - The Duke of Moulton-Berlin is appointed Kapellmeister. (2020) 02 April - Pope John Paul II is posthumously made a Knight Commander of the Holy Order of The Cross. (2005) MicroCon 2015 Promotional Photo 06 April - Prince Rainier III of Monaco, a Knight in the Noble Order of Westarctica, passes away. The Knighthood is then bestowed upon his son, Prince Albert II. (2005) 11 April - A delegation from Westarctica attends the first MicroCon (pictured), hosted by the Republic of Molossia, in Anaheim, California. (2015) 13 April - The Constitutional Convention is convened to draft a formal Constitution of Westarctica. (2019) 17 April - While in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Grand Duchess Cathryn discovers she is pregnant with Prince Daniel Nicholas, the second heir to the Westarctican throne. (2005) 18 April - Grand Duke Travis writes to the Presidents of Laos and Eritrea requesting the immediate release of two religious prisoners being held because of their Christian faith. (2005) 20 April - Westarctica's first postage stamps are produced. (2005) 20 April - A Royal Decree establishes protected areas under the Westarctican Parks Service. (2025) 23 - 24 April - Grand Duke Travis hosted a delegation from the Republic of Saugeais, a French micronation, on a two-day diplomatic visit. (2018) 26 April - Molossia hosts the Prime Minister of Westarctica in a diplomatic visit. (2019) 28 April - The Royal Household of Grand Duke Travis is created by Royal Decree. (2023) 28 April - Baron Blake is appointed Chief Air Marshal of Westarctica. (2025)

Featured image Hooverville is a city in the Colony of Calsahara. It is the only permanent structure in the entire colony. The Count of Dendtler is the Mayor of Hooverville. It lies within the Barony of Bastanchury in the Principality of Bohemia. During the Liberation of Calsahara, Hooverville was considered a vital target for the Westarctican Royal Guards. Shortly after Otisburg was overrun, the Royal Guards marched on Hooverville and victory was proclaimed from the house's broken steps. Photographer: Prince Dinny (More Images)

Featured Quote "It's not getting to the pole that counts. It's what you learn of scientific value on the way. Plus the fact that you get there and get back without being killed." - Richard E. Byrd

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