Baby emperor penguins in Antarctica. The species is not declining yet but is set to due to global warming
(Picture: AP)The worldwide population of emperor penguins is likely to drop at least 26 per cent by 2050 because of the climate crisis, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has warned.
On Tuesday, the body said the birds, which are the largest type of penguin, deserve additional protections under the law having been listed as “threatened” under the endangered species act.
The US service has raised concerns about the melting of their sea ice homes around Antarctica.
Martha Williams, director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, said: “Climate change is having a profound impact on species around the world and addressing it is a priority for the administration.
“The listing of the emperor penguin serves as an alarm bell but also a call to action.”
The service said that the population of emperor penguins is not declining yet but could drop more than the 26 per cent if carbon emissions are higher than forecast.
Emperor penguins need sea ice along the Antarctic coast for rest and breeding but as the world warms up the ice is beginning to melt.
The decision to list the birds could encourage action and funding for conservation and require the US government to step in to address any threats to the species.
Shaye Wolf from the non-profit Centre for Biological Diversity called the listing of the penguins “a big win” for the species - having sued the US Fish and Wildlife Service over the issue.
Ms Wolf said: “This is a big win for these beloved, iconic penguins and all of us who want them to thrive.
“At the same time, this decision is a warning that emperor penguins need urgent climate action if they’re going to survive.”
