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Climate change has significantly impacted penguins, particularly emperor penguins, a species iconic to Antarctica. The rapid loss of sea ice due to global warming has led to a disastrous breeding failure for these penguins, potentially pushing their populations towards quasi-extinction. Emperor penguins rely on sea ice to breed and raise their chicks, but the diminishing sea ice caused by climate change results in chick mortality due to drowning or freezing.
In 2022, record-low levels of Antarctic sea ice resulted in a catastrophic breeding failure for emperor penguins, with no surviving chicks in four out of five known colonies in the central and eastern Bellingshausen Sea. This event serves as a stark warning for the future of emperor penguin populations, as it is projected that more than 90% of colonies could be “quasi-extinct” by the end of the century if current global warming trends continue.
In light of this, University of Canterbury Associate Professor Michelle LaRue is spearheading a research project to shed light on the enigmatic behaviours of emperor penguins during their crucial breeding and chick-rearing period in the harsh Antarctic winter. These iconic Antarctic birds face numerous challenges during this critical time, including extreme weather conditions and the need to carefully manage their breeding and parental duties. However, much remains unknown about their behaviours and population dynamics during this period.
Based at the University of Canterbury’s Gateway Antarctica, the research project will utilise satellite remote sensing technologies, specifically synthetic aperture radar (SAR), to study emperor penguin colonies around the Ross Sea, the largest marine protected area globally. By leveraging satellite images, the research team aims to answer critical questions about the emperor penguins’ breeding habits, including arrival times, huddle compositions, and transitioning from male incubation to female guarding. Additionally, the team will investigate how environmental factors such as wind and temperature impact these behaviours.
The project’s primary objective is to develop and train machine learning algorithms to identify and count emperor penguins in satellite images. This technology will enable researchers to accurately quantify emperor penguin populations in future SAR imagery, potentially leading to the discovery of previously unknown penguin colonies around the continent. Ultimately, this research will provide valuable insights into the behaviours and population dynamics of emperor penguins, contributing to the understanding of these crucial birds and the entire Antarctic ecosystem.
Professor LaRue’s team is part of a larger initiative involving 12 New Zealand research teams collaborating with the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on six-month feasibility studies focused on Earth observation research. These studies will explore various aspects of environmental monitoring, water and climate modelling, natural hazards, and biodiversity. The research teams will have access to cutting-edge technology and NASA’s expertise to develop their research and build partnerships with a global leader in space research.
The New Zealand Government’s Catalyst Fund has allocated NZ$9 million for international research partnerships with NASA, with NZ$6.5 million earmarked explicitly for Earth observation projects. Each research team will receive up to NZ$75,000 to conduct their feasibility studies, highlighting the importance of these collaborative efforts in advancing the understanding of Earth’s ecosystems and the impacts of climate change.
The partnership between the University of Canterbury and NASA marks a notable advancement in the capacity to observe and comprehend the intricate dynamics of the Antarctic ecosystem, specifically emperor penguin populations.
Integrating satellite remote sensing and machine learning technologies in studying emperor penguins is poised to provide researchers with insights into the behaviours and population dynamics of these iconic Antarctic birds. This innovative research holds the potential to enhance conservation efforts for emperor penguins and deepen the understanding of the unique environmental challenges faced by Antarctica.
