10,000 Birds

JANUARY 21, 2016

The Ross Sea is the most productive stretch of water in the Southern Ocean, teeming with large predatory fish, whales, seals, penguins and other animals that form the last intact marine ecosystem on Earth. There are 11 species of birds that breed in the Ross Sea region. Enough History – Back to the Future. And the Mammals.

Russia 173

Russia Penguins Whales Whaling 173

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 1, 2011

Breeding groups typically occupy territories of around 8 hectares and consist of a breeding pair and one or two helpers. Even leopards still live here and occasionally terrorize the African Penguin colony at nearby Betty’s Bay. So close to Cape Town and yet still so wild.

South Africa 244

South Africa Penguins Birds Africa 244

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 15, 2011

Penguins are flightless, but some species locomote over long distances on antarctic ice to travel between breeding grounds and the sea. And, they wear tuxedos, which seem to provide camouflage while they are swimming, where leopard seals, sharks, and other creatures would like to make a meal of them. Salas-Gismondi, R., Altamirano, A.,

Penguins 192

Penguins Seals Peru Science 192

10,000 Birds

JULY 16, 2013

The only other significant mainland breeding colony is based about an hour out of Cape Town on the east coast at a place called Betty’s Bay. Remarkably, this growing colony suffered severe losses from a leopard that habitually came down from the mountains to feast on the easy penguin snacks.

Penguins 216

Penguins South Africa Africa Sharks 216