ScienceDaily (Nov. 21,
2012) — For the first time, researchers tracking the behavior of emperor
penguins near the sea have identified the importance of sea ice for the
penguins' feeding habits. The research, published November 21 in the open
access journal PLOS ONE by Shinichi Watanabe from Fukuyama
University, Japan and colleagues, Japan describes emperor penguin foraging
behavior through the birds' chick-rearing season.
Unlike other species like
Adelie penguins, emperor penguins spent much more time diving for food, and
only used about 30% of their time at sea to take short breaks to rest on sea
ice. The birds did not travel for long distances on the ice, or use it for
other activities. The study also suggests that these short rest periods on sea
ice may help the penguins avoid predators such as leopard seals.
Though sea ice conditions are
known to affect penguin populations, the relationship between ice levels and
penguins' foraging has been unclear because of the difficulties of tracking the
birds at sea. Watanabe says, "The monitoring technique developed in this
study will help to understand the relationship."
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