Supporting penguin researchers
WWF is supporting the Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC) in the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) to understand more about the impacts of climate change on Adélie penguins and their Antarctic neighbours.
Project overview
WWF is supporting the Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC) in the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and their ongoing research at the Dumont d’Urville research station in the Pointe Géologie archipelago. At this living observatory, CEBC (with the support of the French polar institute) monitors marine predator populations, including penguins, to understand climate change impacts and inform conservation action. Efforts include tagging, GPS tracking, and annual counts, with valiant field assistants are contributing vital data. These insights are powerful tools in global advocacy and policy advocacy to protect penguins and their Antarctic habitat.
Why we are doing it
Wildlife in Antarctica, including Adélie and emperor penguins, faces growing pressure from climate change. For example, loss of sea ice threatens their reproduction and food sources. Krill, a key prey for Adélie penguins, depends on sea ice to reproduce. Warmer temperatures are also disrupting chick hatching times, leaving chicks vulnerable when food is scarce. For emperor penguins, relying on sea ice to breed and raise their chicks, continued sea ice decline could cause their populations to fall by 99% by the end of the century, pushing them toward near extinction and destabilising the Southern Ocean ecosystem.
Project impact
In August 2025, Antarctic Researcher - Amandine Barles reported that it seems to be a good year for the emperor penguins of Pointe Géologie - East Antarctica, with low mortality for chicks and the highest number of incubating males counted since 1975! A glimmer of hope for a species struggling in the face of climate change.
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