Emperor Penguin : Killed In The Antarctic Last Year
Scientists recently said that up to 10,000 young Emperor penguin chicks were reportedly killed in the Antarctic late last year when the sea ice underneath them broke off.
- Emperor Penguin is the largest of the world’s penguin species found only in Antarctica.
- Scientific Name: Aptenodytes forsteri
- They are found throughout the Antarctic continent and sub-Antarctic islands.
- In breeding months (April to November), emperor penguin colonies are found between 66° and 78° south latitude along the Antarctic coastline.
- It is the most ice-adapted of any penguin species, inhabiting pack ice and surrounding marine areas.
- They spend their entire lives on Antarctic ice and in its waters.
- They are approximately 120cm tall and weigh in at around 40 kg.
- They gain and lose weight rapidly during breeding and feeding season On average, females tend to weigh 18 kg less than males.
- They have a gray back, white belly, and orange markings behind their eyes and at the top of their chest.
- They have large stores of insulating body fat and several layers of scale-like feathers that protect them from icy winds.
- They also huddle close together in large groups to keep themselves and each other warm.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
