| dc.description.abstract | Penguins face a wide range of threats. Most observed population changes have
been negative and have happened over the last 60 years. Today, populations of 11
penguin species are decreasing. Here we present a review that synthesizes details
of threats faced by the world’s 18 species of penguins. We discuss alterations to
their environment at both breeding sites on land and at sea where they forage. The
major drivers of change appear to be climate, and food web alterations by marine
fisheries. In addition, we also consider other critical and/or emerging threats, namely
human disturbance near nesting sites, pollution due to oil, plastics and chemicals such
as mercury and persistent organic compounds. Finally, we assess the importance of
emerging pathogens and diseases on the health of penguins. We suggest that in the
context of climate change, habitat degradation, introduced exotic species and resource
competition with fisheries, successful conservation outcomes will require new
and unprecedented levels of science and advocacy. Successful conservation stories
of penguin species across their geographical range have occurred where there has
been concerted effort across local, national and international boundaries to implement
effective conservation planning. | en_US |
