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

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
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
Tags
Antarctic
emperor penguins
breeding failure
sea ice extent
climate change
satellite imagery
Bellingshausen Sea
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