Washington (AP) – Population Emperor Penguin A recent analysis of satellite imagery, released on Tuesday, reveals that certain areas of Antarctica are declining at a faster rate than previously believed.
Estimated population Among the 16 penguin colonies observed in satellite images from 2009 to 2024, there was a 22% decrease during this timeframe, primarily attributed to climate change, which is reducing the available sea ice. Scientists are unsure if this trend will be consistent throughout the continent.
“Sea ice is crucial as it serves as a breeding ground and sustains food sources for penguins,” said Peter Fretwell from the UK Antarctic Survey, which contributed to the data analysis.
Previous estimates indicated that the emperor penguin population had decreased by approximately 10% across Antarctica over the last 15 years. The latest survey encompassed regions including the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, and the Bellingshausen Sea.
“We are definitely cautious about figures that are significantly worse than expected,” stated Daniel Zitterbert, a penguin researcher at Woods Hole Marine Facilities, who was not part of the study.
There are uncertainties in the new estimates. The analysis is based on calculating how penguins are clustered in each area identified by single satellite images taken annually.
The colonies studied account for roughly 30% of the emperor penguin population, which is exclusively found in Antarctica. Ongoing sea ice loss could affect penguins beyond merely diminishing breeding habitats.
“Predators like leopard seals and orcas may have better access to colonies if the sea ice melts prematurely in the season,” Fretwell mentioned.
Increased ocean temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns may also impact the survival rates of penguin chicks, he added.
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Source: apnews.com