Using Satellite Imagery and Drones, Researchers Study Emperor Penguins' Response to Climate Change
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Researchers from the Bay Area are tracking emperor penguins in Antarctica to study the effects of climate change on the species.
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Emperor penguins are a key indicator species for the health of the Antarctic ecosystem.
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The researchers are using satellite imagery and drones to study the penguins' behavior and movements.
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They are also measuring the thickness of sea ice and water temperature to understand how it affects the penguins' habitat.
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Climate change is causing the sea ice to melt earlier and form later, which can have negative impacts on the penguins' ability to breed and feed.
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Emperor penguins rely on sea ice as a platform for breeding and molting.
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The researchers are concerned that changes in sea ice could lead to a decline in emperor penguin populations.
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The study is part of a larger effort to understand the impacts of climate change on Antarctic ecosystems.
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It is important to understand how these ecosystems are changing in order to protect them.
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