The Calp biologist Josabel Benlliure is going to spend Christmas surrounded by more than 40 thousand penguins from Deception Island, in Antarctica, with a very specific objective: to study the effects that the climate change in these magnificent animals, so vulnerable to melting ice and temperatures that tend to become increasingly higher.
This research is carried out within the project «Pingufor», which has as its main focus the study of three species of penguins: Pygoscelis Antarctica (chinstrap penguin), Pygoscelis adeliae (adelia) and Papuan Pygoscelis (Papuan). These species are considered as "health sentinels" of the ecosystem where they live, since their well-being is intrinsically linked to the general health of the Antarctic environment and has also been affected by the impact of climate change in Antarctica.
The impact of climate change on Antarctica
As the average temperature of Antarctica increases, we can observe environmental changes of great magnitude. One of the most notable effects is the declining chinstrap and adélie penguin populations, a phenomenon related to the reduction in availability of krill, which is the main food consumed by these penguins. Krill, which are found in cold waters, are beginning to be affected by rising temperatures and melting glaciers, underscoring the role of Antarctic krill in the ecosystem. Therefore, understanding the impact of climate change It is vital.
On the other hand, it has been found that Ticks have reached AntarcticaThese parasites can transmit diseases that threaten the survival of penguin colonies, adding a new dimension to the challenges these animals face. The Pingufor team's research focuses on a breeding colony that houses around 20 breeding pairs. For monitoring, biologists have selected 200 nests where they will mark the chicks and attach transmitters to the adults to monitor their nests. know the distance that parents travel daily in search of food. Collecting this data is essential to understanding the Impact of climate change on Antarctic penguins.
Research Methodology
The research is being carried out from December 2017 to March 2018, based at the Gabriel de Castilla station, and the penguin colony is located about two hours away. For Benlliure, this represents his fifth campaign in Antarctica, where he has been able to observe the impact of climate change.
A critical aspect of this research is the collection of long-term data to measure how climate change is altering wildlife in the region. The more we know about these effects, the more we can adapt and protect these animals in their natural habitat, an aspect echoed in other research on the species adaptation.
The decline of krill and its consequences
One of the main food sources for penguins is antarctic krill, and with rising temperatures, populations of this crustacean have begun to decline. This has led to a reduction in the amount of food available to penguins, which, in turn, negatively affects their reproduction and survival rates. Research has shown that, in the last decade, chinstrap penguin populations have declined by up to 50%, and there are fears that this trend will continue as the climate change continue to affect their habitat. Thus, the global warming poses a growing risk to ecosystems.
According to the findings of the project PINGUCLIM, the decline in krill not only impacts penguins, but has knock-on effects that can alter the entire Antarctic marine ecosystem. As top predatorsPenguins are vital indicators of ecosystem health, and their decline could signal larger problems affecting other marine species.
Emerging diseases and new parasites
Environmental changes have also allowed the arrival of new diseases and parasites to Antarctica. Ticks introduced to colonies are an example of how climate change can facilitate the mobility of pathogens that previously did not exist in the region. This can have serious implications for the health of penguins, who are already dealing with stress caused by extreme weather and food shortages. This scenario is amplified when we consider that the climate change is affecting multiple species.
Studying these problems is crucial, as diseases can exacerbate mortality rates and negatively affect younger generations. This translates into reduced viability of penguin populations in Antarctica and potentially contributes to a permanent decline in their numbers. Monitoring the health of these colonies is vital to understanding the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem.
Penguin research and monitoring
Pingufor researchers are conducting detailed biodiversity monitoring among penguin colonies, which includes not only collecting data on their population, but also their behavior, adaptation to environmental changes, and quality of life. Modern technologies are being used, such as geolocators and satellite transmitters, to obtain accurate information on bird movements and their interactions with the environment. These efforts are consistent with other research highlighting the importance of ecosystems in danger.
This data collection not only helps us understand how penguins are responding to current challenges but also provides information that can be key to implementing effective conservation strategies. Field observations are combined with predictive models based on climate data to help visualize possible future trajectories for penguin populations.
A proactive approach to climate change
Analyzing the factors affecting penguins in Antarctica involves not only understanding local conditions, but also recognizing how these conditions are interconnected with global trends. As temperatures continue to rise and sea ice continues to undergo drastic changes, the need for a proactive, conservation-led approach is more urgent than ever. This approach is also necessary to address broader issues such as threatened deserts.
The creation of marine protected areas and conservation policies are crucial aspects being discussed internationally. These initiatives seek not only to protect penguin populations, but also to ensure that the environmental conditions that support their habitats remain healthy and viable in the future, as discussed in the context of the climate change.
Other relevant research and findings
Other studies, such as those conducted by Stony Brook University in New York, have also reflected the impact of climate change on penguin behavior. According to these studies, it has been observed that Chinstrap penguins are seeing a significant decline in their populations as their habitats are rapidly changing.This aspect is fundamental to understanding the impact of climate change on the ecosystem.
The role these animals play as sentinels of the ecosystem is generating growing interest among scientists, who argue that the health of penguin populations can serve as a reliable indicator of the effects of climate change. climate change in the environment. Therefore, research on penguins not only focuses on their biology, but also provides a framework for addressing broader environmental issues.
This series of studies highlights the importance of researching and addressing climate change and its impact on various species, including our own. Adapting to new conditions and implementing conservation measures are essential if we want to continue enjoying the beauty and value that penguins and their Antarctic habitat provide.
