Disease Proof

• I love penguins! But overfishing and global climate change is threatening African penguin populations. Last year, African Penguins in southern Africa numbered about 26,000 breeding pairs. That marks a drop of 121,000 since 1956. Scientists claim warming temps are hurting sardine and anchovy populations, the penguins major source of food; the AFP reports.

• A lot of birds are on hard times. Experts believe 12%, roughly 1,227 species of birds worldwide are facing extinction, with 24 new varieties added just last year. In some cases, like with hummingbirds, clearing land for farming—such as cocoa plantations—is leveling 8% of habitat each year; from the AFP.

• One of our closest relatives is in trouble too. Orangutan populations in Borneo National Park have declined 90% over the last five years. The drop is absolutely staggering. In 2004, 600 orangutans were living in the park, but today park officials estimate only about 30 to 60 remain. Deforestation and political corruption are being blamed; via TreeHugger.

• Pikas are also in a pickle. A pika is a furry little mammal with big ears, related to rabbits. These little guys live in high, rocky mountain slopes in 10 states, such as Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains. Pikas like cold weather and even brief exposure to temperatures of 78 degrees can kill them, meaning global warming threatens their survival; the Associated Press reports.

• Animals aren’t alone. People are in danger too, Tibet is at risk. Hotter weather may cause droughts and flooding, leaving millions in peril. Glacier ice melting is already raising local river levels. Since 1961, temperatures in Tibet have increased 0.32 degrees Celsius every decade, surmounting the global average of 0.2 degrees Celsius; the Daily Times explains.

• And populations living on or near coastlines, like natives of the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and East Timor, may be starved out of their villages and homes. Ocean pollution is raising acidity levels harming coral reefs and fish living amongst them. A decline in fish means a decline in commercial fishing for local residents; via the Associated Press.

Image credit: Paul Mannix