03-01-2014, 03:44 AM
Staff at Phillip island said it has been an odd year for the Little penguins. Late breeding, late moulting, a lot of chick mortality, which is all to do with the lack of food in the penguins feeding grounds. Little penguins will stay out at sea for days to feed, generally travelling out about 50km. Changing water temperatures disperses the fish differently meaning penguins either have to go out further and for longer or starve.
Increasing summer temperatures while penguins are moulting is also critical. Moulting birds get hot and heat stressed very quickly and since they can't swim or drink, dehydration and heat can be fatal.
I can't comment on penguins reliant on ice in the Antarctic because I don't know enough about it, but I agree it does seem a bit dire.
Increasing summer temperatures while penguins are moulting is also critical. Moulting birds get hot and heat stressed very quickly and since they can't swim or drink, dehydration and heat can be fatal.
I can't comment on penguins reliant on ice in the Antarctic because I don't know enough about it, but I agree it does seem a bit dire.
