Antarctic penguins in particular are vulnerable to climate change, with shifting ice reducing habitat while warming seas affect their prey. Scientists blame intense fishing pressure on forage species such as krill, as well as pollution, degradation of breeding grounds, and climate change. Stanford University marine scientist Cassandra Brooks, who specialises in the Antarctic, said penguin populations on the frozen continent were both increasing (Adelies in the Ross Sea) and decreasing (Chinstraps in the Antarctic Peninsula area). "Scientists need to continue working to untangle the complex interactions between climate change and penguin populations." It is considered critical for scientists to study how such ecosystems function and to understand the impact of climate change on the ocean.

Source: The Nation Bangkok April 25, 2017 03:45 UTC