Image:ZSL/Tom Hart
Researchers from The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the University of Sheffield have identified genetic markers that can be used to track the movement of penguins and ultimately determine whether Antarctica´s changing climate is driving them from their favoured breeding sites. By collecting penguin feathers and extracting their DNA, scientists can now determine the relatedness between different birds within a colony, enabling them to follow the movement of individuals and populations. The markers have already been used to make a population map of macaroni penguins around South Georgia and are now being expanded to all species of penguin on the Antarctic Peninsula. Professor Terry Burke, from the University of Sheffield´s Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, said: "DNA profiling provides a powerful method of understanding how populations interact and is therefore an increasingly valuable tool for assessing conservation needs and priorities. We therefore very much welcomed the opportunity to assist IOZ to develop a DNA profiling system for penguin species in which the interactions among distant and potentially vulnerable populations are as yet little known." ZSL´s own penguinologist, Tom Hart said: "Knowing how penguins are responding to climate change is vital to conservation efforts. If we understand how their populations are changing, we can do something about it, such as making sure that our protected areas are in the right place for penguins in 100 years time." Penguins are not only threatened by climate change, but are also under increasing pressure from direct competition with fisheries.
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