In an attempt to adapt, some breeding pairs have relocated hundreds of kilometers north since the 1970s. "The penguins are trying to move," Boersma said. "But they can't move as fast as climate change is occurring, nor can they possibly adapt to what's happening in the world." Adding to their woes, Boersma said, Magellanic penguins have started laying eggs an average of three days later every decade since she started her research. Delayed laying gives penguins less time to fatten up their offspring and increases the chances that chicks will face food shortages. Together, the data suggest that conservation practices need to focus on what's happening with a specific species rather than banning activities in a general area -- especially when the species in question moves or commutes outside the area of protection. "We need to go to version 2.0," said Emily Pidgeon, who leads the marine climate change program at Conservation International in Arlington, Va. "Things are going to have to change." Related Links: |
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