Oct 27, 2022 12:30:00

Finally, the US authorities decided to designate the emperor penguin as an endangered species, and the reduction of sea ice due to global warming threatens

On October 25, 2022, the

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) , which is responsible for the protection and management of wildlife under the U.S. Department of the Interior, announced that it has designated the emperor penguin, known as the largest penguin, as an endangered species. Emperor penguins are known to breed on ice shelves along the coast of Antarctica, and the melting of sea ice due to global warming, which has been progressing in recent years, is a threat.

Emperor Penguin Gets Endangered Species Act Protections | US Fish & Wildlife Service
https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2022-10/emperor-penguin-gets-endangered-species-act-protections

Emperor penguins listed as endangered by US because of climate crisis | Endangered species |
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/25/emperor-penguins-endangered-species-us-climate-crisis

Emperor penguins join threatened species list, thanks to climate change | Live Science
https://www.livescience.com/emperor-penguins-threatened-species

Emperor penguins breed in large colonies on the Antarctic ice, and while the females who have given birth go to collect food for nutrition, the males who hold eggs are in a state of fasting for a total of more than 100 days. known to raise children. At the time of writing, about 60 breeding colonies have been confirmed along the coastline of Antarctica, and the number of pairs is estimated to be about 270,000 to 280,000.

In addition to being large with a total length of 115 to 130 cm, the habitat environment is stable, so the population of emperor penguins is relatively stable. However, it has been pointed out that the reduction of sea ice due to global warming will cause great damage to the breeding of emperor penguins. was reduced by 99%,” the research result was also reported.

Designated as an endangered species as the population of emperor penguins may decrease by 99%, due to the effects of climate change - GIGAZINE

In response to this critical situation, FWS announced on October 25 that it will designate the emperor penguin as an endangered species and protect it under the Endangered Species Act . Although there are no wild emperor penguins on U.S. territory, according to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution , designating emperor penguins as an endangered species will encourage funding for conservation programs and research, as well as federal agencies. is required to ensure that projects do not threaten populations and habitats.

A model of emperor penguin population decline suggests that the high carbon scenario will reduce the population by 47% by 2050, while the low carbon scenario will limit the decline to 26%. .

FWS Director Martha Williams said: 'This listing reflects the growing threat of extinction for emperor penguins and underscores the importance of endangered species legislation and efforts to protect populations before their decline becomes irreversible. 'Climate change is having a severe impact on species around the world and addressing it is a priority for governments. The emperor penguin's inclusion on the list is both a wake-up call and a call to action.' increase.

'This endangered species designation is a tribute to this beloved and iconic penguin and to all of us who want it to be a reflection,' said Shay Wolfe, director of climate science at the US nonprofit Center for Biodiversity. 'It's a big win.' 'The penguin's survival depends on governments taking strong action now to reduce fossil fuels that contribute to climate change and prevent irreversible damage to life on Earth.' I am,' he commented.