Although there is little evidence, there is a common perception that penguins are not affected by large groups of human beings in close proximity; however, the penguins could show both a behavioral and physiological response to the visitors. These responses could negatively affect the breeding habits of the penguins, as well as their survival especially during the nesting period. People crave capturing pictures of the penguins and when doing so can harm the penguins by being so close.
Another factor is the unintentional introduction of pathogenic agents which ecotourism brings. The Emperor Penguin population do not have an immune adaptation to pathogens in which they could be exposed to by the human population. Ships are required to follow strict cleaning rules to help alleviate this issue; however, carrying pathogens is still an imminent issue that cannot be ignored. |
First flight:
1956 Annually: 26,500 visitors Sites: Antarctic Peninsula South Shetland Islands Activites: Kayaking, mountaineering, diving, photography |