The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty
The Madrid Protocol - Main Points - 11 slides

5 - Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora (animals and plants) - Protection of all living things in Antarctica is a basic part of the Treaty. Any potential threats must be evaluated in advance and alternatives given. Any plans that deliberately involve "taking" or "harmfully interfering with" living things requires the submission of an application for a permit to do so.

There are a number of threatened species that are more specifically protected species. Steps must also be taken to prevent the introduction of non-native species. Soil cannot be taken to Antarctica for instance and boots and clothing must be cleaned of potential seeds and spores from elsewhere that may be accidentally carried there.