Emperor Penguin Colonies Face Breeding Failures Amid Record Low Sea Ice
In a concerning development reported by the British Antarctic Survey, record low sea ice in late 2023 has led to significant breeding failures within Antarctica’s emperor penguin populations. The emperor penguin, recognized as the largest of its kind and native solely to the Antarctic region, relies heavily on stable sea ice for reproductive success.
According to Peter Fretwell, a satellite wildlife researcher with the British Antarctic Survey, the early breakup of sea ice has resulted in many chicks being exposed to harsh elements before they develop waterproof feathers. This has led to a tragic outcome where “They’ll either freeze to death or they’ll drown,” Fretwell explained.
Last year’s decline in sea ice affected 14 out of 66 colonies, with tens of thousands of chicks likely dying as a result. The trend of diminishing sea ice has been noted over the past seven years, with 2022 and 2023 marking record summer lows.
Despite the lower sea ice extent throughout the breeding season of 2023, there were fewer breeding failures compared to 2022. Fretwell attributes this to fewer break-up events and some colonies adapting by relocating their breeding grounds. “Maybe half a dozen or so of the colonies that were affected in 2022 took action and moved their breeding locations,” he said, noting movements to southern regions with better ice conditions or onto more stable ice shelves and large icebergs.
This adaptability offers a glimmer of hope, but the long-term outlook remains bleak. Scientists predict a grim future where 99% of emperor penguins could be lost by century’s end if the decline in sea ice persists, a consequence of climate change exacerbated by fossil fuel emissions. The survival of these iconic birds hangs in the balance as they face the challenges of a rapidly changing environment.
