Survival of the Penguins
By Tori. Friday, 9. March 2007, 18:16:30
Potentially the greatest threat to the survival of the penguins is global warming. Penguins are very sensitive to temperature change. On one island the number of breeding Rockhopper penguins has dropped from 1.7 million to 100,000 since the 1940s. This is believed to be caused by the warming of the local waters. Global warming may also have a hand in the steep drop in the numbers of Adelie penguins. The brave Emperors of Antarctica may be the most at risk, as an early thaw could spell disaster for hatchlings. The penguins last, best hope is their ability to charm the public, or as the University of California calls it, “the cuteness factor.” The popularity of the penguins with the public might lead to greater conservation efforts.
Protect the penguins: Take action!
Bibliography: “http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/penguins/protecting.html” PBS, Protecting Penguins ©1997-2007, retrieved 9 March, 2007
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