NT Emperor Penguin

Context:

A recent study indicates a 22% decline in the population of Emperor Penguin colonies, highlighting the species’ vulnerability to climate change.

 Taxonomy & Status

• Scientific Name: Aptenodytes forsteri
• IUCN Status: Near Threatened (NT)
• CITES: Not listed
• Schedule in WPA, 1972 (India): Not applicable (non-native species)

Distribution & Habitat

• Exclusive to: Antarctica
• Habitat:
  • Breeds on sea ice (pack ice platforms)
  • Forages in the surrounding Southern Ocean
• Lifecycle entirely dependent on the availability of stable sea ice for mating, incubation, and chick-rearing.

Physical Features

• Largest & heaviest of all penguin species
• Distinctive appearance:
  • Black-and-white body
  • Bright orange-yellow markings on head, neck, and chest
• Adaptations:
  • Two feather layers and thick blubber to conserve heat
  • Small beak and flippers reduce heat loss
  • Excellent divers – world’s deepest-diving birds

Diet & Lifespan

• Carnivorous: Fish, krill, and squid
• Foraging done beneath the sea ice
• Lifespan: ~15–20 years

Recent Population Concerns

• 22% decline in breeding colonies observed
• Due to melting sea ice, reducing breeding platform availability
• Several chick mortalities reported due to early ice breakup

Ecological & Climate Significance

• Keystone & indicator species of polar ecosystems
• Reflects the direct impact of global warming on Antarctica
• Relies on stable winter sea ice; susceptible to climate variability

Conservation Significance

• No current global protection regime for Antarctic birds
• Featured in climate advocacy reports as a species at risk
• International efforts (e.g., Antarctic Treaty System) required to address habitat loss