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Human influences challenge penguin populations
July 01, 2008Global warming, fishing and petroleum pollution lower breeding success of the seabirds
The ecology of penguins makes these iconic swimming and diving seabirds of the Southern Hemisphere unusually susceptible to environmental changes. Pronounced warming in the Antarctic, as well as commercial fishing, mining, and oil and gas development at lower latitudes, has led to declines in many species, according to P. Dee Boersma, of the University of Washington in Seattle. In the July/August 2008 issue of BioScience, Boersma provides a first-person account based on 30 years of studying the birds. Counts of the penguin populations at the 43 remaining breeding "hotspots," even once every five years, could provide valuable insights into the variability of the ocean ecosystem and the populations' viability, Boersma writes. Yet counts are carried out only rarely, if at all.
The task is urgent, because many populations seem to be in rapid decline even as some temperate populations have expanded their range southward. Rapid reductions of sea ice off Antarctica in recent years threaten Adélie and emperor penguins, which need ice, but may benefit some populations of relatively ice-intolerant gentoo and chinstrap penguins. Increased snow and rain, another result of the changing climate, reduce breeding success in some gentoo and Adélie penguins.
Temperate penguins, such as Galápagos, Peruvian, and African species, are all declining. Mining of guano, egg harvesting, commercial fishing, and oil spills are the chief causes, according to Boersma, although tourism and increasingly severe El Niño events, probably resulting from climate change, are also partly responsible.
The threats to all penguin species are likely to grow in coming years. Boersma recommends the formation of a nongovernmental organization dedicated to monitoring major aggregations of penguins. Such an organization could provide advance warning of urgent threats and thus make amelioration possible.
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Temperate penguins, such as Galápagos, Peruvian, and African species, are all declining. Mining of guano, egg harvesting, commercial fishing, and oil spills are the chief causes, according to Boersma, although tourism and increasingly severe El Niño events, probably resulting from climate change, are also partly responsible.
The threats to all penguin species are likely to grow in coming years. Boersma recommends the formation of a nongovernmental organization dedicated to monitoring major aggregations of penguins. Such an organization could provide advance warning of urgent threats and thus make amelioration possible.
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Penguins Current Events and Penguins News RSSCalifornia Academy of Sciences becomes first aquarium in US to breed dwarf cuttlefish
Anchored to an algae-covered rock in a 120-gallon tank at the California Academy of Sciences' Steinhart Aquarium, a cluster of inky-colored cuttlefish eggs is beginning to swell-evidence of success for the Academy's new captive breeding program for dwarf cuttlefish, Sepia bandensis.
Funny, you don't look related
When Charles Darwin visited the Falkland Islands during the voyage of the Beagle in 1835, he saw a wolf-like species, wrote about it in his diaries and correctly commented that it was being hunted in such large numbers that it would soon become extinct.
Being a standout has its benefits, study shows
Standing out in a crowd is better than blending in, at least if you're a paper wasp in a colony where fights between nest-mates determine social status.
Climate-related changes on the Antarctic peninsula
Scientists have long established that the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most rapidly warming spots on Earth.
Penguins marching into trouble
A quarter-century of data reveals how changing weather patterns and land use, combined with overfishing and pollution, are taking a heavy toll on penguin numbers
Emperor Penguins March toward Extinction?
Popularized by the 2005 movie "March of the Penguins," emperor penguins could be headed toward extinction in at least part of their range before the end of the century, according to a paper by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) researchers published January 26, 2009, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
Penguins setting off sirens over health of world's oceans
Like the proverbial canary in the coal mine, penguins are sounding the alarm for potentially catastrophic changes in the world's oceans, and the culprit isn't only climate change, says a University of Washington conservation biologist.
Passports for penguins
Ground-breaking technology that will enable biologists to identify and monitor large numbers of endangered animals, from butterflies to whales, without being captured, will be shown to the public for the first time at this year's Royal Society Summer Science exhibition [30 June to 3 July].
Tuatara, the fastest evolving animal
In a study of New Zealand's "living dinosaur" the tuatara, evolutionary biologist, and ancient DNA expert, Professor David Lambert and his team from the Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution recovered DNA sequences from the bones of ancient tuatara, which are up to 8000 years old.
Satellite tracking will help answer questions about penguin travels
University of Washington scientists will attach satellite tracking devices to the backs of six penguins that have been treated at two centers in northern Argentina after their feathers were fouled with oil. The birds will be released into the Atlantic Ocean and their movements traced using satellites and the Internet.
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Safari LTD Penguins Toob by Safari One of the Safari Ltd. Toobs, collections of museum-quality replicas packed in an acetate Toob. Safari Ltd Toob replicas range in size from 1.5 to 3 inches and are perfect for school projects, dioramas, party favors and imaginative play. Featured is the Penguins Toob which includes an Emperor penguin and chick, rockhopper penguin, chinstrap penguin, and many others! |
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Lekue Silicone Ice Cube Tray, Penguin by Lekue Lekue Fancy Shapes trays are made out of FDA approved recycleable rubber. They are ideal for making cool shaped ice cubes and also for molding gelatin for fun snacks. Non-stick and bendable, ice cubes pop right out and Lekue ice cube trays never lose their shape, whatever shapes you choose. Try using colored punch, food coloring, juices or lemonade in the tray to make awesome cubes! |
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Plush Baby Emperor Penguin 8" by Aurora Aurora only uses lock washer or embroidered eyes and nose for safety. |
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LeSportsac Kevyn Cosmetic Kit,Penguin,one size by LeSportsac |
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Sterling Silver Diamond-Accent Penguin Pendant, 18" by Amazon.com Collection This sweet 925 sterling silver penguin pendant is a charming addition to your collection. It has an easily recognizable shape, with textured silver and petite diamond accents outlining the body. The pendant is presented on an 18-inch sterling silver box chain. |
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Penguin Race by Schylling Penguins travel up the moving ladder and slide down the chute to start all over. 1-D battery required, not included. Easy assembly directions included. Ages: 6 and up. |
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Kaiser Bakeware Penguin Baking Pan by Kaiser Kaiser Bakeware "happy animal" baking shapes are fun for the entire family. Turn your kitchen in to a Zoo! |
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Melissa & Doug Plush Penguin by Melissa and Doug Bring the South Pole to your own home with the Melissa & Doug Plush Penguin. The perfect companion for any little girl or boy, the Plush Penguin is made of the softest fabric and is perfect for any animal-themed nursery or play area. Measures 23.5 x 17 x 9.8. |
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One By One the Penguins Steal My Sanity Mug by Awesome Graphics * Custom coffee mugs are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. Colors are permanently baked into the mug''s surface. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom coffee mugs please contact us. * Size: 11 oz. capacity ceramic coffee mug. |
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365 Penguins by Jean-Luc Fromental (Author), Joëlle Jolivet (Illustrator) On the first day of the new year, the mailman brings a surprise—a penguin! One by one, day by day, penguins fill the house. At first they are cute, but with every passing day, the penguins pile up—along with the family’s problems. Feeding, cleaning, and housing the penguins becomes a monumental task! But who is sending these penguins, and why? In a large format, and with lots of opportunity for counting, 365 Penguins is sure to become a wintertime staple. |
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