Skip to main content

Impacts of climate change on Emperor Penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri)

by Yadav Sharma Bajagai

Emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) are regarded as an icon of Antarctica due to its peculiar appearance and behaviour. These are the largest of all penguins adapted to extreme climatic condition of Antarctica [1] and are particularly susceptible to environmental changes in southern ocean as a result of global climate change due to being ice-obligate species [2]. Size of the bird also increases its susceptibility to climate change [3] and its morphology which prevent them to forage up to greater depth and range make the situation even worse [2]. Alteration in sea ice condition, which ultimately affects availability of pray and breeding and moulting of these birds, significantly affects their population [2]. 


Increased mortality due to climate change

 

Average temperature of ocean surface is the most important factor determining survivability of penguins followed by integrity of sea ice [4].
Mortality of adult emperor penguins in the penguin colony in Terre Adelie was dramatically increased during 1970s [4]. Meteorological data from the site from 1952 to 2000 revealed that ambient temperature during winter was high throughout the 1970s [4]. This association between environmental temperature and mortality rate in emperor penguin clearly depict the impact of global warming on these creatures. Due to impacts of climate change the population of emperor penguins in Terre Adelie have been decreased by 50% during the latter half of 20th century [4].


Impacts on habitat


Ainley et al. [3], through a modelling study, have revealed that habitat of emperor  penguin will be seriously damaged when atmospheric temperature increases by 20C as compared to preindustrial level. In this study, it has been speculated that 50% of present population of emperor penguin will disappear due to habitat loss if temperature of earth’s troposphere reaches 20C above preindustrial era. 

Impacts on distribution and geographical range

 

Alteration in integrity and extension of sea ice due to global warming has resulted in poleward contraction of range of emperor penguins [2, 4, 5].

Impacts on phenology

 

Although extension of pack ice has positive effects on survivability of adult penguins, it has negative influence on hatchability of penguin eggs [4]. Some of the scientists have argued that melting of sea ice due to global warming in fact is beneficial for emperor penguins as it will reduce the distance to be travelled by them in search of food but melting of pack ice have other several disadvantages including flooding of colonies with sea water sweeping the chicks into water and mortality of moulting adults [1].

Impacts on predation

 

Antarctic krill, silver fish, and crustaceans are major pray for emperor penguins [1, 6]. Availability of oceanic fauna in this type of habitat is chiefly depend up on temperature of ocean water and integrity and extension of sea ice [7]. Therefore, any alteration in temperature of sea surface and sea ice condition affects the availability of krill, fish and crustaceans which in turn affects emperor penguins [1]. Scarcity of preferred food is one of the major reasons of mortality of emperor penguins [4].



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Food Safety Regulation in Nepal

by Yadav Sharma Bajagai 1          Introduction   Being member of different international organizations, Nepal has many food safety related obligations to comply with rules and regulations of those organizations. Food safety related issues started to become matter of increased concern and one of the priority areas of the government after the country has become member of the world trade organization (WTO) in 2004. Being a developing country, food chains are generally long in developing countries like Nepal as compared to those in developed countries due to poor infrastructure which makes the food more vulnerable to be contaminated with harmful agents (microorganism and chemicals). In addition, infrastructures related to technical regulation, conformity assessment and safety of food are still in developing phase which requires more focus and investment for better functioning. Similarly, Inspections and regulation of food related business are challenging and difficult due
54 comments
See More »

Basic Concepts of Food Security: Definition, Dimensions and Integrated Phase Classification

by Yadav Sharma Bajagai "Food Security" is one of major elements of development and poverty alleviation and has been the goal of many international and national public organizations. The issue is so important that according to the state of food insecurity in the world 2012 published by FAO around 870 million people (out of which 852 million from developing countries) are estimated to have been undernourished in the period 2010-12. Although the phrase "Food Security" is being used widely, the definition and concept of food security is elusive and being evolved and expanded over time.
238 comments
See More »

How to make balanced and healthy diets for children using basic food groups

By Maria Prihtamala Omega The food groups consist of fruits, vegetables, protein, grains and dairy that have been used as a basic guidance to eat balanced and healthy meals. Firstly, vegetables have essential nutrients that are needed to grow and stay healthy. For example, dark green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and collard greens have calcium which the bodies need to grow strong bones. Carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, squash, and beets have vitamin A which helps to protect and heal the bodies. Beans are also part of vegetable groups. They are good source of protein which is needed to build strong muscles including the heart. Humans should eat different vegetables in order to get different nutrients. Children should get about one-and-a-half cups of vegetables a day, including a small salad at lunch and vegetables at dinner. Secondly, fruit is also an important part of a balanced meal. For instance, fresh apples, oranges, bananas, and o
192 comments
See More »