2 Iconic Polar Species Now Endangered Due to Climate Change
The International Union for Conservation of Nature updated its Red List of Threatened Species on April 9, downgrading the status of several species. Among them were two of Antarctica’s most famous animals ? the emperor penguin and the Antarctic fur seal ? which have both been moved to “endangered” due to climate change.
Emperor penguins depend on stable sea ice to raise their chicks. But warmer temperatures are causing the ice to melt earlier, sometimes before young penguins can survive on their own. As a result, their population could halve by the 2080s.
As for Antarctic fur seals, rising ocean temperatures are pushing their main food source, krill, deeper into the ocean. With less food available, the population has fallen by more than 50% since 2000.
Other species are also affected. The southern elephant seal has been reclassified as “vulnerable” after sharp population declines linked to bird flu. Scientists warn that warming temperatures may allow diseases to spread more easily in polar regions, where animals have little natural resistance.
Experts say these changes are a “wake-up call.” As Earth warms, wildlife that depends on ice is at greater risk than ever before.
Yesel Kang Copy Editor junior/1778115729/1613367813
1. Which organization updated the Red List recently?
2. What environmental change affects emperor penguins survival?
3. Why are fur seals struggling to find enough food?
4. What illness has impacted some polar animal populations?
1. Why should people care about endangered animal species?
2. What can individuals do to slow climate change effects?
3. Do you think ocean changes affect human life too?
4. How can scientists protect animals from new diseases?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature updated its Red List of Threatened Species on April 9, downgrading the status of several species. Among them were two of Antarctica’s most famous animals ? the emperor penguin and the Antarctic fur seal ? which have both been moved to “endangered” due to climate change.
