The population of penguins near Antarctica has doubled in the last 4 years

In 2020, the number of animals was 3.5 thousand, and in 2024 it doubled

National Antarctic Science Center

On Galindez Island in Antarctica, a record number of subantarctic penguins was counted – more than 7 thousand.

About this reported at the National Antarctic Science Center.

“The warming and reduction of the area of ​​sea ice in the Antarctic leads to the migration of animals that capture new territories not previously inhabited by certain species.

For example, until 2007, subantarctic penguins did not nest near “Vernadsky” at all. Scientists consider the main reason for this to be the late thawing of the waters around our island of Galindez“, explained the polar explorers.

They added that earlier frosts in this area reached -20°C and below. At this temperature, animals could hunt effectively and chose ice that does not stagnate.

But due to global warming, subantarctic penguins rushed south. Thus, in 2007, their first nests appeared near the station.

In 2020, the number of animals was 3.5 thousand, and in 2024 it doubled.

If we consider that the Ukrainian expedition consists of 14 participants, then each “accounts” for 500 penguins.

Previously, subantarctic penguins came to Galindez Island for the mating season in September-October: they gathered in pairs, made nests, hatched chicks, and then sailed to where there is clean water.

Scientists also counted 9 colonies of warm-loving subantarctic penguins (about 35,000 individuals) and 3 colonies of cold-loving Adélie penguins (up to 5,000 animals) on Vernadsky.

Polar scientists are concerned about such climate changes, because penguin droppings fertilize the surface and create soil for Antarctic vegetation. In addition, predators are moving towards the Arctic Circle after the penguins: sea leopards and skuas.

We will remind, recently polar explorers too showed of a fur seal resting on a wooden boat.