Penguin Population Declines Due to Climatic Changes

["Greenbase" <greenbas@gb.greenpeace.org>]

PENGUIN POPULATION DECLINES DUE TO CLIMATIC CHANGES
 
Antarctic Peninsula, February 9, 1997 - Scientists from the
United States have suggested that climatic changes may be
responsible for large declines in Adelie penguin populations
along the Antarctic Peninsula.
 
On a visit to the US Palmer Antarctic station Greenpeace
campaigners aboard the MV Arctic sunrise were shown Torgersen
Island where large declines in Adelie penguins populations have
been observed and where some colonies have become extinct. 
Adelie penguin populations around Palmer have fallen from around
15, 200 breeding pairs in 1975 to a current 9,200 pairs.
 
Dr Wayne Trivelpiece and Associate Professor William Fraser of
Montana State University have had a long-term programme
monitoring penguin populations on King George Island and
Torgersen Island since the 1970's. Their research forms part of
a US program to assess the role climatic factors are playing in
changes within the Antarctic natural environment.
 
Associate Professor Fraser said their data suggested that sea
ice is the preferred habitat for Adelie penguins during the
winter months.  "Over the past 40 years, a decrease in the
frequency of cold years with extensive winter sea ice has
probably been an important factor in the observed declines in
Adelie penguin populations because of their reliance on the ice
for winter habitat," he said.
 
The extinction of 21 colonies around Palmer station may be
linked to climate changes. Adelie penguins can only nest in
areas where snow or meltwater do not accumulate and Fraser
hypothesises that increasing snow fall in the region is burying
some nesting sites and causing colony extinctions.
 
 Erwin Jackson, climate change campaign campaigner for
Greenpeace on the MV Arctic Sunrise said: "Scientists have
suggested that Antarctica's wildlife would be particularly
vulnerable to global warming. These results bear this out, with
dramatic changes in wildlife populations being observed in
response to climatic changes."
 
The Greenpeace vessel the MV Arctic Sunrise is in the Antarctic
Peninsula region for a month to document signs of climate change
in the region. Over the last 50 years, the Antarctic Peninsula
has warmed by 2.5oC. 
  
NB:For footage and photographs contact Gina Walker in London on 
00-44-171-865 8168 
 
Dr Fraser can be contacted on Palmer station phone/fax 874 - 150
3157 or email fraserbi@palmer.usap.nsf.gov
Contacts on the Arctic Sunrise 874-130 2577
Erwin Jackson - English
Martina Krueger - German, Dutch
Emiliano Ezcurra - Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian
Greenpeace International Amsterdam: Jon Walter 3120- 523 6222