Scientists estimate that the current Antarctica penguin population stands at around 12 million.
Scientists estimate that the current Antarctica penguin population stands at around 12 million. While that may seem like a high number, it has some specialists concerned.
They are quite convinced that it is not enough, and that the local populations are declining. Almost certainly, recent population die-offs can be connected to climate change, and as the Law of Natural Selection would determine, adaptability seems key to which penguins are surviving.
The five major species of penguins in Antarctica are the emperor, chinstrap, macaroni, Gentoo, and Adelie. Each has different feeding, nesting, and mating habits. As such, all of these species is being affected differently by the changes happening on and around the Antarctic continent.
Antarctica Penguin Population Numbers Are Shifting
The lead researcher, Ron Naveen, has been counting penguins for thirty years. All in all, he has spent six years of his life on this icy continent. He believes that the Antarctica penguin population, along with the polar bear, may be the canary in the coal mine when it comes to climate change and its effects on our planet’s polar regions.
Adelie and chinstrap penguins seem to be facing the largest decline. Some scientists believe the lower population numbers are due to their dependence on krill instead of fish as their primary food source. The krill populations are decreasing as well.
Meanwhile, the types of fish that the other penguins feed on seem to be holding steady. The Gentoo species seems to be handling this change particularly well. There is also a difference in where these animals mate and nest.
Emperor and Adelie penguins raise their young all across the continent. The other species are mostly tied to the northern areas of the Antarctic Peninsula. This peninsula has probably seen some of the most drastic effects of climate change. These include the breaking of the Larson A and B ice shelves. Now, it also means the imminent cleavage of Larson C.
Image Source: Wikimedia
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Roxanne Briean
I am a geek, a gamer and a writer. I have always been fascinated with the online community. At the moment I work as a full-time writer and study interior design. When I'm not scouring the net in search of interesting new gadgets and software I spend my time in MOBAs or drawing.
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