He Penguin Awareness Day 2025 The aim is not only to provide information about the threats they face, but also to promote concrete actions. From avoiding the use of single-use plastics to supporting conservation programs and respecting regulations in protected areas, every action counts to ensure the survival of these species.
Penguins, emblematic inhabitants of the coldest regions of the planet, are much more than friendly birds. These species play a crucial role in marine biodiversity and act as indicators of ocean health. However, their survival is increasingly threatened by factors such as global warming, overfishing and pollution.
There are several reasons why penguins are endangered around the world. Unfortunately, these species also directly or indirectly experience the ubiquitous and terrible influence of Homo sapiens on nature. Because we are still the worst neighbors on Earth that any species can have.
The child
It is a recurring natural phenomenon that has only recently been understood and seen seriously affected by climate change of anthropogenic origin. It causes a change in the usual winds and ocean currents. The sea surface warms and the upwelling of nutrient-rich water is reduced. This decrease in nutrients has consequences for phyto- and zooplankton and for small fish. And ultimately it has consequences for the global food chain.
In 1982, 65% of the Humboldt penguins that inhabited the coasts of Peru disappeared. That same year, only 463 Galapagos penguin specimens survived. The situation of these two species began to recover in 1985, but in 1998 they were decimated again by this phenomenon.
Overfishing
Excessive fishing quotas or overexploitation of this resource could lead to a decrease in the food available to penguins. The clearest example is the overfishing of anchovies. Being the main food source for Humboldt penguins, this fact has contributed to the drastic decline of their population.
Hunting certain species
Penguins can be affected by the whaling. Many experts attribute the population increase of some penguin species over the past thirty years to the greater availability of krill. This is a small crustacean that eats phytoplankton and makes up a large part of the whales’ regular diet. If these decrease, the bioavailability of the krill increases.
presence of man
The demographic and urban expansion of humans on Earth poses a threat to many animal species. Some penguin colonies have been affected by the construction of buildings and roads. These have occupied their natural breeding grounds and entire generations of chicks have been lost. Penguin Awareness Day 2023. Species Introduction
Humans have introduced alien species into some penguin habitats. These eventually adapt and become invasive species. Which can directly hunt penguin species. Or compete with them for food. Or directly change the environment of their habitat.
Pollution
The waste and pollution in the oceans It is a threat to seabirds. Penguins are known to mistake plastic for food, be injured by trash, or become entangled in nets and drown. Oil and chemical spills are also fatal to them.
The fuel oil contaminates their feathers and reduces their ability to insulate and protect the animal’s body, causing them to suffer severe hypothermia. This situation can literally freeze them to death. But as they groom themselves and try to clean themselves, they also ingest these toxic products. This can cause poisoning and endocrine disruption that affects reproduction and/or death.
Tension
Activities that seem harmless to us have serious consequences for animals. The viaducts cause panic among the penguins, who run away. Many are injured, die or become easy prey for predators. The tourist boom is not good for them. Unless distance is maintained, contact is avoided and actions are conducted discreetly and quietly.