Scientists make huge discovery in penguin colony
Australian, French and Japanese scientists working in East Antarctica have made a huge discovery regarding the number of Adelie penguins in the region.
Working across a region around 5000km in size, scientists used surveys, tagging data and images to estimate there are around six million birds in the area. Previous estimates had suggested there were only 3.6 million inhabiting the region.
Seabird ecologist Dr Louise Emmerson said, “Non-breeding birds are harder to count because they are out foraging at sea, rather than nesting in colonies on land.
“However, our study in East Antarctica, has shown that non-breeding Adélie penguins may be as, or more, abundant than the breeders.
“These birds are an important reservoir of future breeders and estimating their numbers ensures we better understand the entire population’s foraging needs.”
How cute? Have you ever seen an Adelie penguin in real life?
Credit: Australian Antarctic Division via Storyful