This 2008 paper argues that penguins are marine sentinels. The largest Magellanic penguin colony in Punta Tombo, Argentina, has declined by 22% since 1987. Although oil pollution used to be a major threat, changes in shipping routes have greatly reduced this problem. Today, penguins are swimming farther from their nests to find food, showing that climate change and fishing are creating new challenges for their populations. Penguins rely on predictable ocean areas with lots of food, from tropical regions to Antarctica. Climate change is affecting the areas that were predictable sources of food, which impacts penguin survival.
Authors: Dr. Dee Boersma
Journal: BioScience
DOI: 10.1641/B580707
Photo credit: Dee Boersma
