From “Twice as Many Emperor Penguins as Thought in Antarctica, First-Ever Penguin Count from Space Shows” (ScienceDaily, 13, 2012), we learn some good news:
A new study using satellite mapping technology reveals there are twice as many emperor penguins in Antarctica than previously thought. The results provide an important benchmark for monitoring the impact of environmental change on the population of this iconic bird, which breeds in remote areas that are very difficult to study because they often are inaccessible with temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit.
The penguins were the subject of a film that some accused of being ID-friendly. The French filmmakers said no, pointing out that the penguins change mates every year. Well, if that’s what French filmmakers understand ID to be about … ?
Anyway,
Scientists are concerned that in some regions of Antarctica, earlier spring warming is leading to loss of sea ice habitat for emperor penguins, making their northerly colonies more vulnerable to further climate change.
Trathan continued, “Whilst current research leads us to expect important declines in the number of emperor penguins over the next century, the effects of warming around Antarctica are regional and uneven. In the future, we anticipate that the more southerly colonies should remain, making these important sites for further research and protection.”
Here is a trailer:
Here’s a baby penguin taking it’s first steps: