Emperor penguins face brink of extinction by 2100
The emperor penguin, the largest of the penguins, may face extinction by the end of the 21st century. Research published in "Biological Conservation" predicts a population decline of 90 percent by 2100.
The emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri), the largest penguin species primarily inhabiting Antarctica, is under threat of extinction. Scientists anticipate, in an article for "Biological Conservation", that the population of these birds could decrease by as much as 90 percent by 2100. This means that by the last decade of this century, these charming birds will become extremely rare.
Climate change and the future of penguins
Climate change is the main threat to emperor penguins. The melting ice cover of Antarctica seriously affects their ability to live, hunt, and raise their young. These penguins require stable ice sheets to rear their chicks, which is becoming increasingly difficult.
A team of scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) conducted research showing that emperor penguins are more at risk of extinction than previously thought. Professor Phil Trathan from the British Antarctic Survey emphasizes that the decline in emperor penguin numbers is an indicator of changing conditions in Antarctica.
The team of scientists used the Multi-Model Large Ensemble (MMLE) simulation system to study penguins, allowing them to create models of Earth's future ecosystems. Researchers applied three models to estimate the likelihood of emperor penguins' extinction. These models included a slow but steady increase in population since 1950, followed by a decline starting in the 1980s. The conclusion? All these models indicated that this process will reach its peak around 2100, when the emperor penguin may become extinct.
The necessity of protecting emperor penguins
The results of WHOI's research highlight the need for protective measures. The conservation status of the emperor penguin has been changed from "least concern" to "near threatened". However, the researchers believe this may be insufficient to prevent further population decline.
Emperor penguins are an excellent example of adaptation to the extreme conditions of Antarctica. Their ancestors originated from warmer regions but adapted to life in this harsh climate. Unfortunately, current climate changes may exceed their adaptive abilities, putting the future of this species in question.
