29 MAY 1998: ECUADOR (GALAPAGOS): SEABIRD
The Environmental News Network reports a significant
decrease in Galapagos Penguins, linked to warm water conditions caused
by ENSO. Professor Dee Boersma of the University of Washington reports
the population has fallen 50% since 1970 (range 4,250 to 8,500) . During
her recent visit, she saw no juveniles penguins, suggesting either penguins
did not breed or that no young survived. Boersma said: "the water's too
warm and there's not enough food.". Boersma is concerned that an increased
frequency of ENSO events may increase mortality and restrict reproduction,
while a decrease in cold-water La Nina events, when penguins breed well,
may not give the population enough time to recover between ENSO events.
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1997 El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO 97-98)