Earth Sciences

Record low 2022 Antarctic sea ice led to catastrophic breeding failure of emperor penguins

P. T. Fretwell, A. Boutet, et al.

A groundbreaking study by Peter T. Fretwell, Aude Boutet, and Norman Ratcliffe reveals a shocking breeding failure among emperor penguins in the Bellingshausen Sea, directly linked to record low sea ice extent in 2022. Satellite imagery shows that four out of five colonies faced total breeding failure as sea ice broke up before the chicks could fledge, marking a significant moment in understanding the impact of climate change on these vulnerable birds.

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Playback language: English

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Abstract

The record low Antarctic sea ice extent in 2022, particularly in the Bellingshausen Sea, caused a widespread breeding failure among emperor penguin colonies. Satellite imagery revealed that four out of five colonies in the region experienced total breeding failure due to sea ice break-up before the chicks could fledge. This is the first documented instance of such a large-scale breeding failure directly linked to significant sea ice loss, highlighting the vulnerability of emperor penguins to climate change.

Publisher

Communications Earth & Environment

Published On

Aug 24, 2023

Authors

Peter T. Fretwell, Aude Boutet, Norman Ratcliffe