Project Title

Beyond the Black-and-White: Uncovering Hidden Keys to Success in Adelie Penguins

Summary

Event Number:
B-200-M
NSF / OPP Award 2535120

Program Director:
Dr. William Ambrose

ASC POC/Implementer:
Ryan Steiner / Jenny Cunningham

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Grant Ballard
gballard@pointblue.org
Point Reyes Bird Observatory
San Francisco, California

Location

Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station
Research Locations: Cape Crozier, Cape Royds

Description

In the contrasting environments of the relatively stable Ross Sea and the rapidly warming western Antarctic Peninsula, Adélie penguin populations are exhibiting divergent demographic trajectories. This project will formally integrate two of the longest-running US penguin research programs to uncover the behavioral, phenotypic, and genetic "hidden keys" that determine the species' capacity to adapt to accelerating environmental change. By deploying state-of-the-art biologging tools and combining multidecadal demographic datasets with cutting-edge genomics, the team will evaluate how rarely observed traits (e.g., juvenile dispersal, winter foraging, molt characteristics) influence individual fitness and population resilience. These data will be utilized to build integrated models that forecast future population dynamics under projected climate scenarios. Results from this study will directly inform adaptive management strategies for Antarctic marine ecosystems through collaboration with international bodies like the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, while the team also leads an extensive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and public outreach program featuring multimedia storytelling and a new Antarctic science adventure comic series.

Field Season Overview

Nine participants will deploy in 2026-27 from late October to mid-February to continue the long-term study of Adélie penguin demographics and response to environmental change in the Ross Sea. Deployments will be staggered throughout the field season, with participants occupying helicopter-supported camps at Cape Royds and Cape Crozier. Field activities include identifying marked penguins at each location, collecting breeding behavior data, recovering loggers that were attached to penguins in prior seasons, and conducting uncrewed aerial system (UAS) surveys of the penguin colonies. The team will also make 1- to 2-day trips to Cape Bird to conduct a census and UAS flights.

Deploying Team Members