Researchers at the Vernadsky Station have reported an unusually early return of thousands of penguins, a situation linked to significant changes in ice conditions and rising ocean temperatures. This year, the birds left Galindez Island later than usual, departing only in the second half of July, whereas they typically leave in May and return en masse between September and October.
According to biologist Oleg Horyainov, who is part of the 31st expedition, the penguins have now spread along the coast up to the station, making them visible from the station windows.
The early appearance of these birds is attributed by scientists to a change in ice conditions and an increase in ocean temperatures. After the water temperature dropped to -1.9 °C at the end of July and ice formed around the island, the temperatures began to rise, leading to a retreat of the ice.
Context
- The number of penguins on the island continues to rise, and researchers do not rule out that due to global warming, they might no longer leave Galindez during the winter in the future.
