Climate change threatens to starve penguins

2010-01-04 18:46 BJT

Conservationists in the Falkland Islands, 700 miles from mainland Antarctica, have launched a plan to monitor climate change on the island's penguin population.

The Falklands are home to at least four types of penguins, Rock Hoppers, Magellanics, Gentoos, and King penguins. The island attracts hundreds of tourists every year, a vital facet of the local economy.

Conservationists fear that penguin colonies are under threat as climate change depletes sources of food. Starvation killed some 100 King penguin chicks in 2009. Under the plan, conservationists will count every bird in a bid to determine how to preserve the colonies.

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Conservationists in the Falkland Islands, 700 miles from mainland Antarctica, have launched a plan to monitor climate change on the island's penguin population.