‘Catastrophic breeding failure’ for penguins as Antarctic sea ice vanishes

‘Catastrophic breeding failure’ for penguins as Antarctic sea ice vanishes

Emperor penguins in the Antarctic are suffering a “catastrophic” breeding failure as the region’s sea ice vanishes, pointing to a grim future for a species highly susceptible to the impacts of climate, a new study has found. Researchers used satellite imagery to find that chicks in four out of five emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) colonies […]

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Emperor penguins: thousands of chicks in Antarctica die due to record-low sea ice levels

Emperor penguins: thousands of chicks in Antarctica die due to record-low sea ice levels

Thousands of emperor penguin chicks across four colonies in Antarctica are believed to have died because of record-low sea ice levels that caused a “catastrophic breeding failure” in late 2022, according to new research. Analysis of satellite images showed the break-up of usually stable sea ice and the disappearance of the colonies at a time […]

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Australian scientists observe ‘rapid’ decline in Adélie penguin numbers off Antarctic coast

Australian scientists observe ‘rapid’ decline in Adélie penguin numbers off Antarctic coast

Scientists at the Australian Antarctic Division have recorded a severe decline in a population of Adélie penguins off the east Antarctic coast. Long-term monitoring has revealed a 43% drop over a decade in the number of birds that breed across 52 islands near the Mawson research station. The scientists say the decline is a stark […]

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This little penguin can waddle easily again thanks to his custom-made boots

This little penguin can waddle easily again thanks to his custom-made boots

Lucas, a San Diego Zoo penguin with a chronic condition called “bumblefoot” that makes walking painful, can now waddle and hop with ease again thanks to a new pair of orthopedic boots. “‘Bumblefoot’ is a word we use for pododermatitis in birds,” meaning inflammation of the skin of the foot, Dr. Beth Bicknese, senior veterinarian […]

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