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King penguins are the rare species benefiting from a warming world. But that could change
A study of 19,000 king penguins shows breeding starts 19 days earlier than in 2000, boosting chick survival by 40%, but scientists warn this advantage may be temporary.
- A study of 19,000 king penguins on Possession Island found breeding begins 19 days earlier than in 2000, researchers including Gaël Bardon and Celine Le Bohec reported Wednesday.
- Phenology explains the shift, with earlier breeding linked to higher sea surface temperatures and lower plankton concentrations near the polar front, suggesting more lanternfish.
- The study found 62 per cent of king penguin chicks now survive, up from 44 per cent, and mating earlier has increased breeding success by 40%, according to Science Advances.
- Despite higher chick survival, Possession Island remains at carrying capacity, though penguins may be expanding colonies on other islands; researchers warn future changes to currents, precipitation or temperatures could reverse gains.
- Outside scientists including Casey Youngflesh caution the king penguin 'win' may be temporary, noting the study covers only a small part of their 20 or more years lifespan.
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15 Articles
15 Articles
In just 24 years, these birds living on the coasts of the islands and sub-antarctic archipelagos have advanced their breeding period by 19 days, according to a study published this Wednesday, March 11. But this surprising resilience may not resist an intensification of climate change.
·Paris, France
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left5Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Center
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
64% Center
L 36%
C 64%
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