Contrasting population changes in sympatric penguin species in association with climate warming

摘要: Climate warming and associated sea ice reductions in Antarctica have modified habitat conditions for some species. These include the congeneric Adelie, chinstrap gentoo penguins, which now demonstrate remarkable population responses to regional warming. However, inconsistencies direction of changes between species at different study sites complicate understanding causal processes. Here, we show that South Orkney Islands where three breed sympatrically, less ice-adapted penguins increased significantly numbers over last 26 years, whereas Adelie both declined. trends occurred parallel with long-term significant reduction extent. Periodical warm events, teleconnections tropical Pacific, caused cycles leading reduced prey biomass, simultaneous interannual decreases penguin With loss ice, were buffered against environment, their fluctuated greatly response was strong linear. Chinstrap considered be better adapted ice-free conditions, affected by discrete events locally cover, but showed variable, nonlinear loss. Gentoo temporarily negative anomalies persistent likely increase available niche, is substantially segregated from more abundant congeners. Thus, consequences global climate perturbations on phenology affect marine ecosystem, repercussions food supply competition resources. Ultimately, variability populations reflects local balance adaptation trophic-mediated cascading forcing.