The time’s ticking for the majestic Emperor Penguins, as the Antarctic sea ice continues to disappear due to rise in climate change, says a recent study, published in Communications Earth and Environment.

Amid the swift escalation of global temperatures, the depletion of Antarctica's sea ice to historically low levels jeopardises the survival of a paramount species in the region: the emperor penguins.

In the Bellingshausen Sea, situated to the west of the Antarctic Peninsula, an extensive reduction in sea ice resulted in an alarming outcome for emperor penguin colonies. Shockingly, among the analysed colonies, an astonishing 80% witnessed a complete failure in chick survival during the preceding year.

These revelations underline the critical link between escalating climate changes and the endangerment of iconic Antarctic creatures. The scientists examined satellite images that showed the loss of sea ice at breeding sites, well before chicks would have developed waterproof feathers.

“We provide evidence of a regional breeding failure of emperor penguin colonies due to sea ice loss using Sentinel2 satellite imagery. Of the five breeding sites in the region, all but one experienced total breeding failure after sea ice break-up before the start of the fledging period of the 2022 breeding seasonâ€_x009d_, says the study.

What is Sea-Ice And Why Is It Important?

Sea ice is frozen seawater that floats on the ocean surface. It is found in both the Arctic and the Antarctic in each hemisphere’s winter. While it retreats in the summer, it does not completely disappear. This floating ice has a profound influence on the polar environment, influencing ocean circulation, weather, and regional climate.

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Emperor Penguins need firm sea ice to lay their eggs and raise the young ones. But as per a recent study, almost 90% of sea ice in Antarctica has disappeared. 

The recent study is alarming, as it indicates 90% of the colonies of Emperor Penguins to be extinct by the end of the century.  The loss in species is not a result of any over fishing, poaching or any other commercial activity, rather their population is being impacted by the rise in climate change.

How Does It Impact The Emperor Penguins

Abrupt reductions in sea ice extent can have massive effects on ecosystems and the species that depend on the sea ice for breeding and raising their young ones. One such species is the Emperor Penguin, which relies on sea ice for all parts of its life cycle, says the study. 

“Almost all emperor penguin colonies depend upon stable land-fast sea ice, which they use for breeding and moulting, while also using the marginal ice zone as a foraging habitat. These Emperor Penguins arrive at their preferred breeding sites in late March to April, and lay eggs from May to June. 

These eggs hatch after 65 days and chicks fledge during December and January. Thus, the land-fast ice on which they breed must remain stable between April to January to ensure successful breeding,â€_x009d_ the study states. 

The Effect Of Climate Change

According to the studies, the Emperor Penguins have become an iconic symbol of Antarctica threatened by climate change. Many studies have also associated the decrease in the number of species with a loss of sea ice due to climate change. 

The recent study is alarming, as it indicates 90% of the colonies of Emperor Penguins to be extinct by the end of the century.  The loss in species is not a result of any over fishing, poaching or any other commercial activity, rather their population is being impacted by the rise in climate change.