Gentoo penguins nesting at Neko Harbour, Antarctic Peninsula. (Photo credit: Gemma Clucas)
According to a new study, the Gentoo penguin is benefiting from climate change, while the chinstrap and Adélie penguins are not.
Researchers used DNA analysis to assess the historic demographics and population structure of these species, and found that Gentoo penguins are climate change ‘winners’ and are expanding their range southward, while the two other populations are in decline.
The differences between species could be tied to food sources; both the chinstrap and Adélie penguins depend on krill, which is also declining due to climate change, while the Gentoo penguin is more of a generalist.
Images and video available.
Original research paper published Scientific Reports on June 12, 2014.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
