Scientists have discovered nearly a dozen new penguin colonies hidden in Antarctica. The colonies are located in a region that is at a high risk of disappearing due to climate change.
A new study from Journal Remote Sensing Ecology and Conservation, reveals that a satellite spotted 11 new colonies of emperor penguins — nearly 20% more than previously thought. Scientists said the findings help paint a clearer picture of the impact of climate change on the iconic bird.
Penguin colonies are notoriously difficult to study because they tend to be in highly remote and inaccessible regions with temperatures as low as minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Aerial photographs and satellite imagery have long been used to locate colonies.
The majority of the newfound colonies are located at the "margins" of the species' breeding range, they are key locations likely to be lost as climate change worsens. The head of conservation biology at BAS, Dr. Phil Trathan said these sites are probably the 'canaries in the coal mine,' meaning they need to watch these sites carefully as climate change will affect this region.
According to BAS, studies suggest that 80% of colonies will decrease by more than 90% by the end of the century if Antarctic sea ice diminishes by half. Even in the best-case scenario based on current climate change trends, the population will decrease by at least 31% over the next three generations.
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