Most Penguin Populations Continue to Decline, Biologists Warn

ScienceDaily (Sep. 9, 2010) — Penguin biologists from around the world, who are gathered in Boston the week of September 6, warn that ten of the planet's eighteen penguin species have experienced further serious population declines. The effects of climate change, overfishing, chronic oil pollution and predation by introduced mammals are among the major factors cited repeatedly by penguin scientists as contributing to these population drops. Prior to the conference, thirteen of these penguin species were already classified as endangered or threatened. Some penguin species may face extinction in this century.

GPS - Global Penguin Society

A new organization has been created to focus attention on the fragile status of the worlds penguin populations. The Global Penguin Society - GPS's website was launched at the 7th world penguin conference by Argentine biologist, Garcia (Popi) Borboroglu.

"The Global Penguin Society is dedicated to the survival and protection of the world´s penguin species, fostering integrated ocean conservation through science, management and community education. GPS está dedicada a la conservación de pingüinos".

"Global Penguin Society was launched in 2009 with a Pew Fellowship to Popi Borboroglu, a scientist based in Puerto Madryn, Argentina. The society will develop and advocate solutions for sustainable marine activities and management, drawing on penguins as charismatic, keystone species."

More on this to come.

Jonathan Chester

Penguin Cartoon collection

I came across this great collection today of Randy Glasbergen's penguin cartoons. You may recognize some of them, but seeing them all together is a treat.

I was exposed to some of these images again at the 7th World Penguin Conference that just wrapped up in Boston. Needless to say 200 scientists, zoo and aquarium professionals and other assorted "penguinologists" made for a fascinating week. Much more on this to follow in the next posts.