Why in the News?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has uplisted the Emperor Penguin and Antarctic Fur Seal to the Endangered category, citing severe impacts of climate change and habitat loss.
About Emperor Penguin
- Largest penguin species in the world
- Found only in Antarctica
- Considered sentinel species of Antarctic ecosystem
- IUCN Status: Endangered
Antarctic Fur Seal
About
- Marine mammal
- Member of eared seal family
- IUCN Status: Endangered
Habitat
- Antarctic and Sub Antarctic waters
- Major breeding ground:
- South Georgia Island
Key Threats
- Climate change reducing krill population
- Ocean warming pushing krill deeper
- Food shortage for seals
| [2011] The ‘Red Data Books’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of: (a) Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots. (b) Threatened plant and animal species. (c) Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries. (d) None of the above |
