SURVIVAL ON THE ICE Defending Antarctica's penguins from climate change - WWF
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Issue 19
MAGAZINE
OCTOBER
2011
SURVIVAL
ON THE ICE
Defending
Antarctica’s
penguins from
climate change
POLE TO POLE SPECIAL ISSUE
POLAR BEAR HERO LIGHTS, CAMERA, FARAWAY FINDS JOIN THE CLUB
WWF’s Geoff York WALRUS! Breathtaking Launching our
is on a mission to The director of new discoveries on the spectacular kids’
save the Arctic’s BBC series Frozen island of New Guinea membership
furry icons Planet talks to Action
UNTOUCHED But not untouchable. A warming planet is melng sea ice and opening up areas of the Arcc that have been inaccessible for centuries. And that poses a new danger to its people and wildlife. Polar bears like this one are worst hit. Their icy landscape – which they desperately need for feeding and breeding – is already dwindling. We’re doing everything we can to safeguard polar bears. We’ll give Inuit communites – who’ve lived in harmony with this landscape for millennia – the support they need in geng tough protecve laws in place. They’re our eyes on the ground. The witnesses of climate change. We’ll lobby hard to get a ban on oil and gas exploraon. Get governments to support an-polluon measures. And ensure any hunng of Arcc wildlife is sustainable. Not only that, we’ll be on the frontline to research just how the ice is being affected, and which areas will be worst hit over me. It’s a fight we’re ready to take on. And win. And it’s all thanks to your support. wwf.org.uk/polar
© Jordi Bas Casas / NHPA / Photoshot
ICE.
LOTS OF IT.
That’s one thing I can promise you in this issue. Pretty
timely considering that we’ll probably be getting our
fair share of the stuff over the forthcoming winter
months (sorry to be a bringer of bad tidings!)
If ice and snow are a passing irritant for us on British
shores, it’s a way of life for the people and animals in
polar regions. Their home is full of the stuff. It looks
nice on photos but the Arctic and Antarctic are among
the most inhospitable places on Earth. They also play
host to some of the planet’s most remarkable wildlife.
Take the embattled emperor penguin. A creature of
such amazing resilience that once a year they endure
the lowest temperatures on the planet – while trying to
incubate their young. Read about the mighty emperors,
their penguin neighbours and the people in the
Antarctic who are trying to protect them (page 22).
We’ll also do a Michael Palin-esque trip to the other
pole – the Arctic. We speak to the man with (I think)
one of the best jobs in the world. He goes by the name
of Geoff York, but I’ve decided to rename him The
Polar Bear Man! It must be amazing living among the
bears, and doing vital research that could help
safeguard their future (page 16).
We also get the inside track on the Arctic’s animal and
human residents from one of the directors of the
forthcoming BBC documentary series, Frozen Planet.
Elizabeth White talks to us about the teeth-chattering
challenges of filming in polar regions (page 21).
If you’re getting a bit chilly with all the ice, don’t worry.
There’s a touch of glamour – not to mention warmth –
in store as we join Gemma Arterton on her recent trip
to see our work in the Amazon in partnership with Sky
(page 26).
As we near the end of our spectacular anniversary year,
you might have missed out on exactly what we’ve been
up to. So visit wwf.org.uk/50 to get the lowdown.
Have a lovely winter. And keep warm!
Best wishes
© WWF-Canon / Steve Morgan
Paul Cottam, editor
paul@wwf.org.uk
POLE TO POLE
© Elizabeth White / BBC
SPECIAL ISSUE
THE ACTION TEAM NEWS FEATURES INSPIRATION
Editor 6 World of difference 10 Final countdown 26 Bond beauty hits
Paul Coam Hot fish, one-horned rhinos Last instalment in our the Amazon
and green soya – find out 50 big wins series Actress Gemma Arterton
Designer the good news behind each visits our Sky Rainforest
Ma Wood at Neo 14 Treasure island Rescue project
weareneo.com 8 Renewable revolution? New Guinea’s wild
WWF’s Nick Molho secrets revealed 28 Colourful characters
Assistant editor presents the case for Introducing our brand
Ruth Simms 100% green energy 16 Flying high for new kids’ membership
polar bears
Picture editor 9 Electric dreams Meet our polar bear hero 30 Prize copy
Kate Foreshew A glimpse into the future of Geoff York Win a £4,000 wildlife print
Editorial manager car transport by acclaimed photographer
22 Land of the penguins Roger Hooper
Marn O’Halloran
How we’re protecting the
Membership manager Antarctic’s best-loved
Emily Pringle residents
Contact the editor:
CONTENTS
editor@wwf.org.uk
Thanks to:
Barney Jeffries, Sue Parks, David
Burrows (writers); Nick Molho and
Mark Wright (contributors); Georgie
Bridge (design supervisor); and
Lorna Lawson (news).
Front cover: © Gey
Action October 2011 – Page 5 wwf.org.uk
Mapping success
2
100%
of Waitrose’s own-brand
products containing soya
1 will be certified by 2015.
46C
The Julimes 3
pupfish can live
in temperatures
as hot as 46˚C.
£1 MILLION
Amount raised so far by
Sky Rainforest Rescue.
1 2 3
MEXICO UK BRAZIL
Hot fish haven: The world’s hottest fish Soya pledge: Waitrose has become Amazon milestone: Our project to help
is just one of many species that will enjoy the first UK supermarket to commit to save one billion trees in the Amazon has
protection after a landmark government sourcing 100% certified soya in its passed the £1 million mark in donations.
ruling. We helped bring together the local own-brand range. The retailer has pledged Thanks to Sky, all donations to our project
community to fight for the right to that all of its soya-containing products have been matched. And we’re now well
manage the San Jose de Pandos Spring – will be approved by the Roundtable on on our way to achieving our £4 million
an area of outstanding ecological Responsible Soy (RTRS) by December target to tackle deforestation in the
importance. The ruling also prohibits any 2015. As already reported, we helped Brazilian state of Acre. It’s great news –
further extraction of water. We’re now establish RTRS in order to protect vital and means we’re making huge progress.
supporting the local community to protect forest and savannahs from expanding For example, 150 families have joined the
the spring, located in the Chihuahuan soya cultivation. It’s a huge step forward land certification scheme that we’re
Desert of northern Mexico. The Julimes in our campaign to save the Cerrado supporting, which will help them to farm
pupfish can withstand extreme region in Brazil, where expanding soya their land without damaging wildlife or
temperatures of up to 46°C – one of the cultivation is a huge threat. We’re calling habitats. And we’ve also helped build
hottest temperatures in the world. for all the big UK supermarkets to source nearly 40 rubber processing units –
wwf.org.uk/hotfish RTRS-certified soya. providing locals with a sustainable income
wwf.org.uk/cerrado that’s easy on the rainforest.
sky.com/rainforestrescue
Action October 2011 – Page 6 wwf.org.uk
THE LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND
THE WORLD CAN BE FOUND ON
THANKS TO YOU,
WHERE THERE’S
OUR WEBSITE EVERY DAY
WWF.ORG.UK/NEWS 5 WWF THERE’S
HOPE
4 >100
Increase in the number of greater
one-horned rhinos in Nepal.
1,000 6
species of cichlids
– a type of fish –
1992
found in
Mozambique’s
Lake Niassa.
Year when scientists
discovered the saola –
an antelope-like
creature later classified
as critically endangered.
4 5 6
MOZAMBIQUE NEPAL VIETNAM
Lake protected: Africa’s Lake Niassa – Rhino revival: Greater one-horned rhino Lifeline for rare saola: A critically
teeming with wildlife and plants – is now numbers have risen in Nepal by almost endangered animal that was only discovered
protected by the government of 100 in the last three years, thanks to the in 1992 is to be protected by a new reserve.
Mozambique. Its tropical waters and government, WWF and partners. The The saola – closely related to antelopes and
shores are home to an estimated 1,000 latest census of populations in Nepal – cattle – was found by scientists during a joint
subspecies of cichlid fish, including which we supported and helped fund – survey between us and the Vietnam forestry
several hundred that are found only in reveals that there are now 534 rhinos. department. But the species is threatened by
this area. The region also hosts diverse Diane Walkington, who leads our wildlife illegal hunting for its horns, and is often
bird populations, mammals such as the work, says: “These numbers reflect the caught in snare traps that are set for wild
endangered painted hunting dog, and success of conservation efforts for this boar and deer. Estimates suggest the
reptiles like the monitor lizard. “The species – and are a result of improved population could be as low as a few dozen,
reserve will have an immediate and rhino protection measures and but information is scarce. We’ve been
lasting impact on the health of its management of habitat.” working with the Vietnam government and
fisheries and provide security to the other organisations to establish the reserve in
wwf.org.uk/rhinocensus
people who depend on the lake,” says Quang Nam, in south-central Vietnam. The
WWF’s Rubina Haroon. park will also protect other threatened
wwf.org.uk/niassa species in the lowland tropical forests of the
Annamite Mountains.
wwf.org.uk/saola
Action October 2011 – Page 7 wwf.org.uk
Update: Energy shock
© Carlos G. Vallecillo / WWF-Canon
ROCKETING ENERGY BILLS ARE JUST ONE
SYMPTOM OF OUR RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELS,
WRITES OUR ENERGY EXPERT NICK MOLHO
As winter looms, you’re greater energy efficiency – a We believe that the nuclear
probably dreading the prospect 100% renewable energy future option is flawed for a number of
of steeper energy bills. We’re is possible. The resulting reasons (see box, below right).
bound to use more energy over energy savings we would And so harnessing energy from
the chilly winter nights. But as make, together with vastly the sun, wind and waves is our
global energy prices soar,
many of us are feeling the
reduced fuel costs, could save
the world economy up to
best hope of reducing our
dependency on fossil fuels. 25%
pinch all year round. €4 trillion a year by 2050. And given that it offers an A QUARTER OF WILDLIFE SPECIES
almost limitless energy supply, RISK EXTINCTION IF AVERAGE
You might also have heard that
renewable energy is to blame
“Renewables will in the long it’s the best hope for future
GLOBAL TEMPERATURES CONTINUE
generations too.
for the price hikes. But that’s term benefit the world TO RISE
not the whole picture. While it’s economy, stabilise energy I won’t patronise anyone or
true that moving to low-carbon beat around the bush – to
costs and are likely to lower
energy will cost money initially,
our energy bills are also soaring
as a result of higher gas, oil and
energy bills over time”
tackle climate change, we need
investment in these new
sources of energy, which may
€4 TRILLION
AMOUNT THE WORLD ECONOMY
coal prices. And with global So why is WWF wading into add to energy bills at first. In
supplies looking insecure, the energy debate? Well, the the short term, you can COULD SAVE IF WE SWITCH TO
further increases in energy use of fossil fuels to power our insulate yourself from higher 100% RENEWABLES
prices are more than likely. homes, businesses and cars is energy prices by insulating
pumping out greenhouse gases your home – check out our
Renewables, on the other THE ‘N’ WORD
– and that’s accelerating Great British Refurb campaign
hand, will in the long term at our website for ideas on how At WWF we believe that
climate change. A quarter of
benefit the world economy, to do this. nuclear plants pose a risk that’s
wildlife species risk extinction
stabilise energy costs and are just not worth taking. The
if global temperatures
very likely to lower energy But, in the long run, a consequences of an accident,
continue to rise. And already
bills over time. Earlier this renewable transition means however unlikely, are
the World Health Organisation
year, we published stable and, most likely, cheaper unthinkable. A reliance on
estimates that climate change
The Energy Report. It proves energy bills. And, even better, nuclear means a legacy of
is causing more than 150,000
that if we use the full range of it will help protect precious highly toxic radioacve waste.
deaths a year due to extreme
renewable technologies ecosystems, wildlife – and That’s not a risk we’re prepared
weather, disease and rising to take with our natural world.
available – together with food insecurity. ourselves.
Action October 2011 – Page 8 wwf.org.uk
Our world: WWF in action
Issue 18
HAVE YOUR SAY Let us know
MAGAZINE
JUNE
DRIVING A GREENER FUTURE what you think about these
2011 stories by joining our Facebook
It might look like an ordinary car… but this humble and Twier pages –
vehicle could help us turn a corner in the battle to wwf.org.uk/facebook and
combat climate change wwf.org.uk/twier
© Tristan Fewings / WWF-UK
DO YOUR BIT FOR FORESTS
With forests under threat from
FISH FURY illegal logging, we’re supporting
What’s making Hugh
and WWF so angry? a great new initiative called Size
CROCODILE PARTY BLUE MILE
MORE FISH, PLEASE!
Join our fight for
healthier seas
REVIVING THE
GANGES
How we’re cleaning
up the world’s
Success for people
and reptiles in Papua
New Guinea
Make a splash
for WWF of Wales.
mightiest river
The project aims to help
conserve an area of tropical
THANKS FOR GETTING ANGRY! forest that’s the size of Wales
Many of you were clearly itself – that’s 20,779 sq km in
incensed by your last issue of case you’re interested. We’re
Action, which highlighted working with the organisation
Europe’s broken fisheries as part of our mission to protect
policy, including the practice East Africa’s coastal forests.
of discarding unwanted fish. Petrol and diesel-powered But if we want the great British And we think it’s a great way to
We’ve been inundated with cars are among the biggest public to swap their vehicles do our bit during the
more than 19,000 signatures causes of man-made climate for an electric alternative, International Year of Forests.
demanding healthy seas. And change, so we’ve they’ll need encouragement Donations will go towards
that means an end to practices commissioned a study to find from the government. protecting these threatened
like discarding unwanted fish. out how much impact electric regions – and the people and
vehicles could have in the “Reducing the cost of electric wildlife who depend on them.
“This is a real boost to our
fight to combat global vehicles, not having to pay
More Fish campaign,” says You can donate to the project by
warming. fuel duty and congestion fees,
WWF’s Anthony Field, who’s visiting wwf.org.uk/sizeofwales
and more charging points will
leading the project to make the
We found that at least help to get people driving
rules governing EU waters
1.7 million electric cars are electric cars,” says Jean
environmentally sustainable.
needed to replace gas guzzlers Leston, our transport expert.
“We’ll be adding our petition to
by 2020 if the UK is to
others collected all over Find out more… Read the
achieve its stringent carbon
Europe, before handing them Electric Avenues report at
emissions targets. And that
in to the European Parliament.” wwf.org.uk/electricavenues or
number should grow to
The current proposals are a step 6.4 million by 2030. call our supporter care team
in the right direction, but don’t on 01483 426333 for a copy.
go nearly far enough.
“For 10 years we’ve worked with BECOME A GREEN AMBASSADOR Does your child’s school have
fishermen and businesses to an eco council or green team? Or are you thinking of seng one up?
create solutions that are good for If so, why not register to become part of the WWF and BT Green
the environment while earning Ambassador scheme. It’s a new, free, naonwide programme to
fishermen a decent living. The inspire youngsters to embrace sustainability.
revived Common Fisheries Visit wwf.org.uk/greenambassadors
Policy needs to take on board all
of these solutions if we’re to stop
issues like overfishing.” ARE WE IN YOUR WALLET? Our 50p anniversary coin is now in
Thank you for standing up for circulaon – so keep a look-out for it in your spare change! Created by
our seas. award-winning graphic designer Mahew Dent, it shows our panda
For the latest news, visit: logo surrounded by 50 images symbolising our environmental and
wwf.org.uk/morefish conservaon work.
© Benjamin Ealovega / WWF-UK
Action October 2011 – Page 9 wwf.org.uk
BIG
WINS
(part three)
Concluding our anniversary series
celebrating our 50 biggest wins
over five decades
30 31 32
© Brent Srton / Gey Images / WWF-UK
PROTECTING AFRICA’S MONKEY BUSINESS IN BRAZIL COMMUNITYBASED
ELEPHANTS AND RHINOS CONSERVATION
© naturepl.com / Edwin Giesbers / WWF
Fifty years ago, our founders We’ve helped eco-tourism to
first brought the plight of flourish on the Philippine island
Africa’s elephants and rhinos of Donsol. Visitors now flock to
to the world’s attention – and see schools of endangered
we’ve been fighting to protect whale sharks, the world’s
them ever since. There are now largest fish, bringing hundreds
many more elephants in of thousands of dollars into the
southern Africa than there local economy. Communities
were a decade ago, while rhino benefit – and so do the fish and
numbers have more than other marine species, as local
doubled in the last 15 years. people recognise the need to
But poaching and loss of conserve their biggest asset.
habitat remain big threats.
33
25,000
NUMBER OF AFRICAN RHINOS Monkeys don’t come much
cuter than the golden lion LOOPHOLE CLOSED into force, police in London
TODAY, UP FROM LITTLE MORE seized around 200 traditional
THAN 11,000 IN 1997 tamarin. In the 1980s, we
© David Lawson / WWF-UK
helped bring it back from the Asian medicine products
brink of extinction with a believed to contain parts of
© naturepl.com / Tony Heald / WWF
campaign to raise awareness of endangered plants and
the loss of its home, the animals, including tigers and
Atlantic Forest. This is one of musk deer. Previously, some
several diverse habitats in species received different
Brazil – from rainforests to levels of protection
grasslands to wetlands – that depending on what country
we’re working hard to protect We helped to close a loophole they came from. This made it
and restore. Our efforts include in the UK law that governs difficult to prosecute people
finding more sustainable ways illegal trade in endangered selling manufactured
to produce things such as beef, species. It was a detail that products, with investigators
soy, wood and sugar, which are turned out to be vital: on the often unable to prove where
vital to Brazil’s economy. day the amendment came illegal ingredients originated.
Action October 2011 – Page 10 wwf.org.uk34 35
© Roger Leguen / WWF-Canon
FAITH AND NATURE PROTECTING WETLANDS
Owning 7% of the world’s habitable land, holding assets worth In 1971, we helped establish the
more than £4 trillion and profoundly influencing billions of Ramsar Convention, an
people, the world’s religions have the potential to make a huge international agreement to protect
difference for the environment. We helped set up the Alliance of wetlands and other fragile
Religions and Conservation (ARC), which now includes 11 major freshwater and coastal ecosystems.
faiths as members. As a result, religious leaders have made a By 1996, 1,000 wetlands –
number of pledges to protect the environment. covering 810,000 sq km – had
been included in the Ramsar list
11 NUMBER OF RELIGIOUS FAITHS WHICH NOW BELONG
TO THE ALLIANCE OF RELIGIONS AND CONSERVATION
of Wetlands of International
Importance. And our campaigning
has helped bring a further one million sq km
© Mark Edwards / WWF-Canon
of freshwater areas worldwide under protection – that’s an area
four times the size of the UK.
1.8 MILLION SQ KM
AREA OF WETLANDS WE’VE HELPED TO PROTECT
36 37 38 39
© Marn Harvey / WWF
CONSERVING THE HIGH SEAS INNOVATING WITH INDUSTRY SANCTUARY IN THE
MEDITERRANEAN
In 2010, our campaigning led to We’ve helped convince
© Tom Walmsley / naturepl.com/ NaturePL
the creation of the first businesses, including some of
protected area in the high seas – the world’s leading
that’s the vast expanse of ocean corporations, of the
beyond national boundaries. importance of conservation.
Fishing and dumping rubbish is By setting up the Forest
now banned in the 94,000 sq km Stewardship Council and
area off the South Orkney Marine Stewardship Council,
islands in the Southern Ocean, which encourage responsible
helping species like Adélie management, we’ve
penguins and whales. Since transformed large swathes of
The Mediterranean may be a
the forestry and fishing
© naturepl.com / Suzi Eszterhas / WWF
tourist paradise, but its
industries. And now we’re well
marine wildlife is severely
under way with similar
threatened. Many of the most
schemes for other
endangered species live far
commodities, including palm
LIVING IN HARMONY below the sea’s surface. To
oil, beef, cotton, soy and sugar.
WITH WILDLIFE protect them, we helped bring
about a ban on fishing at
© James Morgan / WWF Internaonal
It’s not easy living alongside depths greater than 1,000
elephants. They can destroy metres. We’ve also helped to
crops and property and even create a massive 80,000 sq km
kill people. In Kenya, we’ve sanctuary in the seas between
helped communities protect Corsica, France and Italy to
themselves with strategically protect the 18 species of
placed beehives. The whale and dolphin that swim
then, a further six protected elephants are terrified of bees in the area.
areas have been created on the and keep away, while local
high seas in the north-east
Atlantic.
people earn extra income from
selling honey, candles and
other beeswax products. It’s
18
SPECIES OF WHALE AND
285,000 SQ KM
AREA OF THE NORTH-EAST
just one of the practical ways
we’re helping people around
the world to get along with
DOLPHIN PROTECTED IN
THE MEDITERRANEAN MARINE
ATLANTIC PROTECTED their wild neighbours. SANCTUARY WE HELPED CREATE
Action October 2011 – Page 11 wwf.org.uk40
»
© WWF-Canon / Zeb Hogan
KEEPING THE MEKONG
FLOWING
The Mekong is one of the last
great rivers not to be dammed.
That’s allowed nature to thrive –
including the Mekong giant
catfish, the world’s largest
freshwater fish, which can weigh
up to 300kg. But 11 proposed
large-scale hydroelectric dams
threaten their future, and could
be devastating for millions of
people who depend on the river
too. Thanks in part to our work,
none of the dam projects have
started yet – we’re striving to
make sure all the risks are
assessed and alternatives
explored first.
41 42 43 44
COMMUNITY SAFEGUARDING RUSSIA’S USING WATER WISELY SAVING SUMATRA
CONSERVATION IN NAMIBIA WILDERNESS
Tigers, elephants, rhinos,
© iStockphoto.com
Elephants and other wildlife Russia’s vast forests are some orang-utans. There’s only one
have made an amazing of Earth’s last pristine place on Earth where all four
comeback in Namibia, wildernesses, and the carbon live together: Sumatra. But the
where we’ve helped they store is crucial to Indonesian island has lost
communities set up and run combating climate change. almost half its forests since
‘conservancies’. These allow We’ve helped to create 1985, threatening the future of
local people to manage their protected areas covering over its unique wildlife. In 2008, we
own natural resources, 430,000 sq km – more than helped bring about the first
creating jobs and bringing in three times the size of England. island-wide commitment to
more than £3 million a year. And in the last 10 years, we’ve It can take 20,000 litres of protect Sumatra’s forests.
helped increase the area of water to make a single cotton Right now, we’re determined to
In Kunene, one of the
responsibly managed forests t-shirt – so it’s no wonder transform the paper and palm
regions where we work,
from just 300 sq km to water supplies and oil industries, which cause
elephant numbers have
260,000 sq km, covering freshwater wildlife are under much of the deforestation.
tripled since the early 1980s,
a quarter of Russia’s pressure. In Pakistan, we’ve
while giraffes have increased
© naturepl.com / Mark Carwardine / WWF
commercial forests. helped 40,000 cotton
fivefold. In 1982, Kunene
was home to just 400 oryx, farmers reduce their water
© Wild Wonders of Europe /Schandy / WWF
600 springboks and 450 use by 38%, while increasing
zebras. Now there are their income by 26%. They
around 29,000 oryx, also used 47% less pesticides
175,000 springboks and and 39% less chemical
18,800 zebras – and fertilisers. Brands including
predators like lions, leopards IKEA, M&S and Levi’s are
and cheetahs have returned. now using this ‘better cotton’,
and many others have
500% pledged to join them.
INCREASE IN GIRAFFE
NUMBERS IN KUNENE IN THE
40,000
NUMBER OF FARMERS IN
LAST 30 YEARS PAKISTAN WHO HAVE CUT WATER
USE BY 38% WITH OUR HELP
Action October 2011 – Page 12 wwf.org.uk45 46
© Marn Harvey / WWF-Canon
TERAI ARC SAVING TIGERS people’s livelihoods and the ROARING OUR SUPPORT
WITH SOLAR COOKERS? region’s amazing wildlife – FOR TIGERS
Four million people get their including tigers, rhinos and Only as few as 3,200 tigers
food and fuel from the forests elephants. We’re working with remain in the wild, and they
of the Terai Arc, along the communities to provide could soon become extinct
India-Nepal border. But alternative sources of energy without urgent action. That’s
forests are being lost as the such as biogas stoves and solar why, last year, we helped bring
population grows, threatening cookers, so they don’t need to together leaders from the
chop down trees for firewood. 13 countries that still have
© Simon de Trey-White / WWF-UK
And we’ve helped set up a tigers in the wild to attend a
network of 11 protected areas tiger summit in Russia. Roared
where wildlife can roam freely. on by more than 250,000
WWF supporters online and
11 via our petition forms, leaders
gave their backing to an
ambitious plan to double wild
PROTECTED AREAS IN THE tiger numbers by 2022.
TERAI ARC LANDSCAPE
47 48 49 50
THE GALAPAGOS: DETOXING THE PLANET TRIUMPH IN THE TROPICS POLAR PARK
A NATURAL SELECTION
Between 2003 and 2006, we A protected area in the
© Brent Srton / Gey Images / WWF-UK
ran a high-profile campaign Russian Arctic was set up after
© naturepl.com / Pete Oxford / WWF
against toxic chemicals in years of lobbying by WWF.
Europe, showing how they can The park, located on the
contaminate people and northern part of Novaya
nature. It helped bring about Zemlya, a long island that arcs
the EU chemical law, REACH, out into the Arctic Ocean
which came into force in 2007. between the Barents and Kara
The strictest law to date seas, helps protect polar bears
regulating chemical and other wildlife from the
substances, it’s making threats posed by industry and
industries clean up their act climate change. All industrial
and influencing chemical activity in the area, which is
legislation globally. also home to walrus, reindeer
and several species of birds, is
© Ezequiel Scagne / WWF-Canon
now banned. It is hoped that,
by removing these threats, the
creatures will become more
resilient to the effects of
climate change.
We’ve worked for half a Our Tropical Rainforest
© Staffan Widstrand / WWF
century to protect the Campaign, launched in 1975,
extraordinary biodiversity of was the first campaign to look
the Galapagos Islands, where at the bigger picture of forest
Charles Darwin formulated his loss right across the tropics. It
theory of natural selection. In raised awareness around the
1962, we helped establish a world of the huge importance
pioneering research station of rainforests and the threats
there. And in 1998, we played they face. The money raised
a big role in creating the helped set up dozens of
Galapagos Marine Reserve – national parks in rainforests
the second largest marine in west Africa, south-east Asia
protected area in the world at and Latin America.
the time.
Action October 2011 – Page 13 wwf.org.ukTHE REAL
6-8%
OF THE WORLD’S SPECIES ARE FOUND ON
NEW GUINEA — AN ESTIMATED TWO-THIRDS
OF WHICH ARE ENDEMIC TO THE ISLAND.
TREASURE ISLAND 1,060
NEW SPECIES WERE DISCOVERED IN NEW
GUINEA BETWEEN 1998 AND 2008.
A turquoise lizard, a blue-eyed cuscus, a 2.5-metre-long
river shark… in just 10 years scientists have unearthed a
wealth of new species across the Pacific island of New 24%
Guinea. Sue Parks reports OF RAINFOREST WAS LOGGED OR DEGRADED IN
PAPUA NEW GUINEA BETWEEN 1974 AND 2002.
Zig-zag rainbow fish
Our Final Frontier report – compiled
as part of our 50th anniversary
celebrations – documents the discovery 9 MILLION
of more than 1,000 fascinating species PEOPLE INHABIT NEW GUINEA’S UNIQUE
between 1998-2008. LANDSCAPES, SPEAKING MORE THAN
© WWF / G.R. Allen
Incredibly, new species were discovered 1,100 LANGUAGES; THAT’S MORE
at a rate of two a week. One group of THAN ONE SIXTH OF THE WORLD’S TOTAL.
scientists came face to face with a new bird
species, the wattled smokey honeyeater,
just moments after leaving their Other aquatic curiosities include the
helicopter. Other wildlife gems include red-and-orange-striped ‘zig-zag rainbow
the blue-eyed spotted cuscus (a small fish’, which lives in freshwater less than
tree-dwelling possum), a flesh-like orchid, one metre deep.
and one of the most spectacular reptile This newly-discovered monitor lizard
finds ever – a bright blue and turquoise AMAZING AMPHIBIANS
can grow up to a metre long
monitor lizard, which can grow up to a New Guinea is second only to Madagascar
metre long. for its frog diversity. Web-footed wonders
© WWF / Tim Flannery
include a tree frog named after Sauron
from Lord of the Rings, because of its
striking red and black mottled eyes.
“Incredibly, new species
were discovered at a
rate of two a week”
The newly found blue-eyed spoed cuscus DISCOVERIES
CONTINUE
WATER WONDERS
In 2009 a giant woolly rat was
Topping the shoal of freshwater discoveries discovered in the forest inside the crater
is an extremely rare river shark, Glyphis of Mount Bosavi, Papua New Guinea.
garricki, named after the man who Around five times the size
identified it – New Zealand zoologist Jack of a common rat, this
Garrick. The largest specimen recorded is a rotund rodent weighed
whopping 2.5 metres long. But despite its 1.5kg, and measured 813mm long – about
size, this elusive shark is seldom seen, and the length of a widescreen TV. Another
was immediately listed as endangered on unusual Mount Bosavi resident is a tree
the International Union for Conservation frog, sporting what look spookily like
of Nature’s Red List of threatened species. vampire fangs.
© WWF / Lutz Obelgonner
Action October 2011 – Page 14 wwf.org.ukACHIEVING A BALANCE “One group of scientists came face to
It seems the more we explore this incredible
island, the more we find, and who knows face with a new bird species, the
what other treasures are just waiting to be wattled smokey honeyeater, just
discovered. But, for this to happen, we need
to ensure that New Guinea’s natural moments after leaving their helicopter”
habitats remain intact. Richly endowed
with timber, minerals, oil, natural gas, Much can still be saved with two-thirds of
fertile soils, and fish. The island is now the island’s forests remaining pristine. And
rapidly being plundered for its abundant WWF is playing a key role in doing just that.
natural resources. Vast tracts of forest are For example, many of New Guinea’s palm oil
already being cleared for logging and large- producers are pursuing certification through
scale agriculture such as palm oil the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
plantations – putting many of the island’s (RSPO), which we helped set up thanks to
unique creatures at risk. your support. This will ensure that high
conservation value forests are not cleared.
© WWF / Stephen Richard
© WWF / Bruce Beehler
PROTECTING THE UNKNOWN
Why care so much about
protecting species we might never
even find? Our lead conservation
scientist Dr Mark Wright offers
This tree frog struck scientists because of its his perspective
disncve red iris The waled smokey honeyeater New Guinea has thousands of species.
Many of them found nowhere else and
We’re working at government, industry many of them slightly peculiar – where
and community levels to help ensure New
“Web-footed wonders Guinea’s precious resources are managed
else do you get kangaroos that live in
trees? Against this backdrop, why the fuss
include a tree frog sustainably. And we’ll keep up the if we find new species to add to the tally?
pressure to achieve a balance between New I have no doubt that it matters a great
named after Sauron, Guinea’s economic development and its deal. For one, it reinforces the
extraordinary natural heritage. This is an
from Lord of the island we can’t, and won’t, forget.
importance of the work that we do. We
focus on areas with abundant biodiversity
Rings, because of its but facing enormous threats. More
species undoubtedly await discovery and
striking red and TAKE ACTION
yet we risk losing them in our relentless
Our 50th anniversary film Astonish Me
black mottled eyes” celebrates the new species discovered in demand for land and resources. Wildlife
New Guinea and beyond. Wrien by lost, unheralded, before we even know
Stephen Poliakoff and starring Gemma they exist. The way we live, particularly in
Arterton and Bill Nighy, the mini-film was the developed world, is pushing species to
broadcast at Odeon cinemas throughout the the brink. But it doesn’t have to be this
UK this summer. Watch the film at: way. We can co-exist; we just have to
wwf.org.uk/astonishme choose to care.
NEW GUINEA
A TRUE WILDERNESS
The largest and most mountainous tropical island on Earth,
New Guinea is divided between Papua New Guinea in the
east and Indonesia in the west. It contains the third largest
rainforest in the world, and its wetlands are the most
pristine in the Asia-Pacific region. The richness of these
habitats rivals those of Borneo, the Amazon and the Congo.
The island’s seas encompass a large part of the Coral
Triangle, a globally-important centre of marine life.
Action October 2011 – Page 15 wwf.org.ukPOLE TO POLE
SPECIAL ISSUE
WWF IN THE ARCTIC
THE POLAR BEAR
FLYING SQUAD
Soon after this photo is taken, WWF’s Geoff York and his colleagues
on board the helicopter put this polar bear to sleep using a small
anaesthetic dart. They have just one hour to swoop in and take vital
measurements -- information that could prove crucial in the fight
to save the beasts. Paul Cottam finds out more
© Jon Aars / Norwegian Polar Instute / WWF-Canon»
© Margaret Williams / WWF-US
Above: Geoff and his colleagues work against the clock to take their measurements
Geoff York didn’t want the ‘nine to five’. The research work Geoff and his North West Passage – for centuries
Instead he opted to live with polar bears in colleagues carry out is informing our blocked by a thick layer of ice – is now
the Arctic. And as our polar bear scientist urgent efforts to safeguard the Arctic for passable by ships in summertime.
for the past four years, he’s fighting hard the sake of polar bears – and the people
to help them survive the growing climate and wildlife who also inhabit the Rapid changes in ice conditions are taking
change threat. beautiful, harsh environment. their toll. Nine of the 19 sub-populations of
polar bears are in decline.
It’s a job that puts him face-to-face with The most serious threat to polar bears is
the beasts. Literally. the melting ice caused by climate change. “The best way to fight these threats is by
Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt for having a great understanding of how polar
“I was kneeling next to a polar bear den, wildlife like seals. Without it, they find it bears are reacting to their environment,
ready to attach some radio collars to some harder to access food and build up fat and by keeping tabs on them,” says Geoff.
bears that we’d anaesthetised temporarily. reserves for hibernation during the Arctic
Suddenly, my partner shouted ‘bear’ and a winter. What’s more, there’s increasing So our intrepid polar bear team are
head poked through the tiny entrance hole evidence that polar bears are swimming monitoring a select few bears in
to the den. further out to sea in the hunt for floating Hudson Bay (Canada) and the Svalbard
pack ice – and that puts them at risk of archipelago in the Norwegian Arctic. That
“Polar bears are highly aggressive drowning. way, WWF can learn how polar bears
creatures and I knew that it was life or behave, where they’re migrating to and if
death. I was staring at her face-to-face. I Disappearing summer sea ice in the Arctic there are any changes in their breeding
laid flat on my back, immobile. She simply is perhaps the most visible symptom of and feeding patterns.
trotted over and checked me out, sniffing increased global temperatures – and
me and staring at me. Geoff’s witnessed these effects first hand. Geoff and his teammate swoop in via
“I’ve literally watched the polar bear’s helicopter, fitting the bears with collars and
“Luckily my partner had scrambled back habitat shrinking,” he tells me. “In the 11 taking all kinds of samples such as blood,
to the helicopter and started up the engine years I’ve been working in the Arctic, I’ve poo, navel and hair swabs. The bears,
– and the sound scared the bear off.” seen a considerable change in the level of which can be as heavy as a small car, are
sea ice during summer months. In some also weighed on industrial-sized scales!
Being a mighty ice warrior doesn’t make
places the difference is very striking.”
the polar bear any less vulnerable to Accompanied by a pilot and up to two
climate change. And things are moving Melting ice caps are also causing biologists, the team fly out about 400ft
fast here in the Arctic, the region that’s previously inaccessible areas to melt, above the ice. They’re looking for evidence
being hit first and worst by this global opening them up to oil and gas exploration of polar bears – fresh tracks in the snow or
threat. and shipping. Parts of the famous holes in the ice where they might be
MANY SCIENTISTS BELIEVE THAT SUMMER SEA ICE COULD DISAPPEAR BY AS EARLY AS 2030, PUTTING POLAR BEARS AT RISK
Action October 2011 – Page 18 wwf.org.ukfeeding. Once they find a bear of interest, “It means we can tell exactly where the Being in such close proximity to polar bears
the pilot lowers the helicopter as close as bears go, where they’re choosing to build has thickened Geoff’s resolve to protect
15ft above. The anaesthetist will then fire a maternity dens, where they’re feeding these creatures. “For me to explain what
dart into the polar bear’s shoulder or other and so on,” explains Geoff. it’s like living among polar bears is hard.
hard tissue – a procedure that doesn’t Seeing the beasts eye to eye is something
harm the animal. Encounters of the furry kind happen at that I’ll never forget. It stays with you. It’s
the most unexpected moments, as Geoff why I’ll carry on fighting to protect them.”
“Once darted, it usually takes between 3-12 found out during one monitoring trip in
minutes for the bear to go down. Most of Churchill, Canada, which saw the team It’s this determination that keeps him going
the time it’s very predictable and it’s safe living among the bears for a week. “We in the face of frightening predictions. Many
to approach the bears. You just have to have special tundra buggies that act as scientists now believe that summer sea ice
make sure the bear is asleep! We then have our homes as well as transport,” Geoff could disappear by as early as 2030 –
one hour to take all the samples we need.” says. “I was making my breakfast one something which leaves many populations
morning when a polar bear’s face popped of polar bears extremely vulnerable. So
A select few female bears are also fitted up at my window – so I grabbed my what next for the Arctic icon? “The fate of
with special collars that transmit GPS camera and took a snap! From that day the polar bear is a complex one. What we’re
radio signals to a central database. on we nicknamed the bear ‘Dancer’, as he realising is that you can study each of the 19
had a habit of jumping up on the buggies different sub-populations and come up with
to strut his stuff.” 19 different stories as to how each one is
responding to a warming planet.” »
© Geoff York / WWF-Canada
Below: two cubs snuggle up to their mother while she’s under anaesthec – its effects usually
last for an hour
“I was making my breakfast
one morning when a polar
bear’s face popped up at my
window — so I grabbed my
camera and took a snap!”
© Jon Aars / NPI
Geoff York
Action October 2011 – Page 19 wwf.org.uk» The reality that some areas of the Arctic
are more vulnerable than others is
We’re setting up and supporting a major
conference with Inuit communities in these “Seeing the beasts eye to eye
something we cannot ignore. Especially regions to map out how to safeguard their
if we’re to save polar bears and other fragile doorstep. Geoff says: “Conservation is something that I’ll never
Arctic wildlife from extinction. Scientists measures for the region would have to
predict that there will be two major
‘strongholds’ of Arctic sea ice – areas
work for local people too, both ethically
speaking, because it’s rightfully their land,
forget. It stays with you. It’s
that are less vulnerable to total melting
during the summer months. These areas,
but also practically. We need their support
to make it happen.”
why I’ll carry on fighting to
located in north-west Greenland and the
Canadian High Arctic, need to be Action could include legislation to manage protect the bears”
exploration and development. “It’s not
protected from all threats – from
poaching and pollution to climate change just about polar bears – it’s about all Geoff York
and overfishing. forms of life that depend on the ice, from
single-celled creatures under the sea ice to
bowhead whales. And of course, the Inuit
peoples whose traditional culture is Below: a female bear is anaesthesed and placed
inextricably linked to the ecosystem.” in a huge sling aached to weighing scales
Action October 2011 – Page 20 wwf.org.uk© Elizabeth White / BBC
YOU CAN
Adopt a group of polar bears in the Arcc –
sign up at wwf.org.uk/polarbearadopt and
you’ll receive a cuddly toy and three
updates a year on your tagged bears. You’ll
also be able to keep tabs on the polar bears
via our website.
FILMING IN THE FREEZERS
© Margaret Williams / WWF-US
Elizabeth White, one of the directors of new BBC documentary series
Frozen Planet, talks to Action about filming in the polar regions
When I agreed to work on a programme I spent many weeks working with indigenous
called Frozen Planet, I knew there was a people in the far reaches of the Canadian and
prey good chance it’d involve spending Alaskan Arcc. These people are some of the
me in the cold. That turned out to be an most adaptable in the world – keen to retain
understatement! Documenng life for the their tradional culture, but open to new
people and animals of the two poles was an technologies and acutely aware of the
epic experience. I spent 39 weeks in the outside world.
polar regions – filming in the Antarcc
Peninsula and the Canadian, Alaskan and But their world is changing. In the ny
Russian Arcc. Temperatures ranged from community of Clyde River on Baffin Island in
a posively toasty 5°C to a bone-chilling the Canadian Arcc, we worked with a team
minimum of -44°C. of tradional hunters who are carrying out a
scienfic pilot study. As they travel the ice, by
Those lucky enough to visit the Arcc or dog sled or skidoo, they carry weather staons
Antarcc oen fall under its spell. They’re and GPS satellite tracking units. Their paths
drawn back again and again. I think it’s that across the ice are recorded on a central
sense of ‘other-worldliness’ – untouched database, while the hand-held GPS allows
landscapes so alien to us that they could be them to record ice condions, such as cracks,
from another planet. weak ice or grounded icebergs. These people
are our eyes on the ground and so they see
We were fortunate to see – and film – some close up how things are changing.
truly remarkable things. Spending me in
the company of killer whales in the Antarcc The Inuit peoples name their months aer the
as they hunt minke whales among the ice ice condions that are associated with the
floes, was a truly moving experience that I’ll me of year – ‘qiqsuqqaqtuq’ means June and
never forget. And of course, I will always refers to the way the ice melts and refreezes
remember the first me I saw a polar bear as to form a crust at night. But ‘June’ ice is not
it pulled its dripping wet body out on to the being seen in June any more – it’s turning up
sea ice before us. in May. As David, our guide said – things are
not so predictable now as they once were.
But the people of the polar regions also hold Climate change is clearly having an impact.
a special charm. Two programmes in the
series look at human endeavour: But for visitors, the poles are sll lands of
exploraon, indigenous cultures and also wonder. It’s hard not to be allured by their
how it’s helped us understand climate and beauty, and the amazing resilience of the
weather paerns. animals and people who live there.
FROZEN PLANET WILL AIR ON BBC ONE IN OCTOBER.
Action October 2011 – Page 21 wwf.org.ukTHE
In the dark depths of the Antarctic In fact, there’s evidence that climate
winter, a colony of emperor change is already taking its toll on emperor
penguins huddle together in their penguins – the hardy stalwarts of the
hundreds on the sea ice. Shrieking Antarctic winter. And some have already
100mph winds give the fallen victim.
GATHERING bone-chilling -50C° temperatures
an unbearable intensity
The group slowly shuffles round, each
taking its turn bearing the brunt of the gale
British scientists began monitoring a
colony of emperor penguins on Emperor
Island, off the West Antarctic Peninsula, in
1948. Back then, there were around 150
STORM before taking shelter in the centre.
Miraculously, they manage to keep their
eggs and chicks warm through it all.
Tough as it may be, this annual battle for
breeding pairs, but numbers have been in
slow decline. By 2009, none remained.
“It’s the first documented loss of a colony,
and it’s due directly to the decline in sea
existence is a natural cycle they’ve endured ice,” explains Rod Downie, WWF’s
for millennia. But emperors – and a whole Antarctic expert. “The Peninsula is one of
host of other penguin sub-species – face the most rapidly warming parts of the
an altogether less natural danger. planet, with temperatures rising by three
Action October 2011 – Page 22 wwf.org.ukPOLE TO POLE
SPECIAL ISSUE
WWF IN THE ANTARCTIC
degrees over the last 50 years. Since the “There is a theory that, as the Antarctic Higher temperatures mean less sea ice.
© Fred Olivier / Naturepl.com
1970s, there’s been a huge reduction in warms, emperors and Adélies could Less sea ice means fewer krill. So where
sea ice – and emperor penguins need sea decline and their distribution would does that leave the penguins?
ice to breed.” retreat southwards, while other species
would benefit. Gentoos, for example, need That’s something French researchers,
Only two of the world’s 17 species make ice-free ground to breed, and may expand supported by our ‘Adopt-a-Penguin’
Antarctica their permanent home – the their range southwards,” says Rod. programme, are trying to find out. The
emperor and the Adélie. Another three – team is based at the Dumont d’Urville
chinstraps, gentoos and macaronis – nest on Numbers of many species are already research station, on an island just off the
the northern tip of the peninsula. Others, declining. That’s largely because of a Antarctic continent. It’s a region which
like king penguins, stick to the comparatively shrimp-like creature whose tiny size hasn’t yet experienced significant
balmy sub-Antarctic islands. AlWogether belies its tremendous importance. Only temperature rises. They’re monitoring a
there are millions of penguins across the 5cm long, krill is the mainstay of most colony of Adélie penguins which nest on
Southern Ocean. It’s an impressive statistic penguins’ diets – not to mention a vital the island during the summer – and the
that begs the question – “why bother with food for whales, seals, fish, squid and emperors which congregate in winter. »
penguins?” But the figures hide an unsettling seabirds. The whole Antarctic food chain
truth. Huge numbers of penguin populations depends on it. And krill depends on sea
could be vulnerable to even small-scale ice to spawn.
changes in sea ice conditions.
Action October 2011 – Page 23 wwf.org.uk» Using the latest technology, including
© Fred Olivier / Naturepl.com
And we’re making real progress here.
equipping Adélies with microchips and Last year, a marine protected area was
GPS devices, allows them to get amazing created off the South Orkney Islands –
insights into the penguins’ lives. They can an important foraging ground for Adélie
tell whether each bird has successfully penguins. This was the world’s first
raised a chick, how long they spend at sea, marine protected area in the high seas.
how far they need to travel for food and Now we’re aiming for at least 10% of the
how much food they’re getting. By logging massive Southern Ocean to be protected
data for each individual, the researchers by marine reserves. We campaigned long
get a picture of the whole colony, and how and hard for sustainable fishing in the
it’s changing. area, and data from Antarctic scientists
is instrumental in making it happen.
“It helps us fully understand the penguins’ With more research, we’re hoping to
habits and their evolution through time, persuade international governments of
which is essential to estimate both this the urgent need to better protect the
species’ health and that of the Antarctic empire of the penguins.
ecosystem they inhabit,” explains
researcher Françoise Amélineau. “As they
are at the top of this ecosystem’s food
chain, all changes that affect their prey
affect the birds too.”
While the scientists try to improve our
SCIENTISTS BEGAN MONITORING A COLONY OF EMPEROR
understanding of the long-term threats
penguins face, there are more immediate PENGUINS ON EMPEROR ISLAND IN 1948. BACK THEN,
ways we can ease the pressure. Overfishing,
particularly of krill (which is then fed to THERE WERE AROUND 150 BREEDING PAIRS, BUT NUMBERS
HAVE BEEN IN SLOW DECLINE. BY 2009, NONE REMAINED
farmed fish) and pirate fishing is a big
threat to the penguins.
© Wim van Passel / WWF-Canon
© iStockphoto.com
© iStockphoto.com
© Michel Gunther / WWF-Cano
GENTOO MACARONI ADÉLIE MAGELLANIC
Live: the Antarctic Peninsula Live: nesting in the Live: around the Antarctic Live: southern Argentina,
and sub-Antarctic islands sub-Antarctic and the continent Chile and the Falkland Islands
How many: 300,000 pairs Antarctic Peninsula How many: 2.5 million pairs How many: 1.8 million
Threats: its relatively small How many: 12 million Threats: loss of sea ice breeding pairs
population leaves the gentoo breeding pairs reduces their breeding area Threats: large colonies are
vulnerable to declining krill Threats: the world’s most and access to food vulnerable to oil spills, which
and fish stocks, although numerous species of penguin, Fact: as with several other kill thousands of magellanics
there is some evidence that its macaroni numbers have fallen penguin species, Adélie every year off the coast of
distribution is currently sharply and they’re listed as chicks form crèches once they Argentina. Falling fish stocks
expanding ‘vulnerable’. They eat more leave the nest while their are also a major threat
Fact: young gentoos have marine life (mainly krill) than parents go fishing Fact: magellanic penguins
been known to travel as far any other seabird, so falling mate with the same partner
as New Zealand and Africa prey numbers affect them badly year after year, usually
Fact: with their immaculately returning to the same burrow
coiffured golden eyebrows,
macaronis get their name
from a hairstyle favoured by
18th century dandies!
Action October 2011 – Page 24 wwf.org.ukLIFE ON THE ICE
© Bruno Jourdain / WWF
Françoise is one of 27 people As many as 90 people at a time
stationed at the Dumont pass through the base in
d’Urville research station. summer, including many more
Around half are scientists scientists. But they’re
(biologists, glaciologists, outnumbered by the hundreds
meteorologists) while the rest of pairs of Adélies.
provide the support essential
for survival in polar conditions. “In summer, Adélie penguins
They include a doctor, are nesting everywhere on the
mechanics, a radio technician Island, even between and
and a cook. under the buildings. They are
used to our presence, and we
Françoise uses the few hours of try to disturb them as little as
daylight during the Antarctic possible. We often get
summer to observe the emotionally attached to some
emperor penguins, which are of the penguins that nest close
nesting around ten minutes’ to the base. We see their
walk from the base. “I wear a chicks growing as the season
big insulated suit and thick- progresses.”
soled boots that isolate my feet TAKE ACTION
from the ice or the snow,” she You can help Françoise and her colleagues in their vital quest to protect
says. “When it’s windy, every Antarcca’s Adélie penguins. Sign up to our penguin adopon and
part of my body is covered, you’ll get three updates a year on your adopted colony, plus a cuddly
even every inch of my face.” toy penguin, cerficate and a welcome pack filled with goodies! Visit
Above right: Françoise gets up close
wwf.org.uk/penguinadopt or call 0844 736 0036.
and personal with a pair of penguins
© Staffan Widstrand / WWF
© Wim van Passel / WWF-Canon
© Fritz Pölking / WWF
© Pete Oxford / naturepl.com
CHINSTRAP KING EMPEROR ROCKHOPPER
Live: the Antarctic Peninsula Live: sub-Antarctic islands Live: Antarctic sea ice Live: sub-Antarctic islands
and sub-Antarctic islands How many: one million pairs How many: 200,000 How many: 4 million pairs
How many: nearly eight Threats: once hunted for breeding pairs Threats: pollution and
million pairs their oil, flesh and skins, Threats: loss of sea ice disturbance from fishing, as
Threats: numbers and range numbers are now recovering reduces their breeding area well as falling food supplies,
appear to be increasing, but Fact: king penguins can take and food supplies mean numbers in some places
falling krill and fish numbers up to 13 months to raise their Fact: a male emperor have fallen alarmingly
pose a future threat chicks, so only have two penguin goes without food for Fact: while many species of
Fact: more than 100,000 chicks every three years nine weeks while incubating penguins slither about on land,
pairs of chinstraps may live his egg, losing nearly half his rockhoppers – as their name
in a single colony body weight suggests – are good jumpers
Action October 2011 – Page 25 wwf.org.ukYou can also read
