EMPEROR PENGUIN RESEARCH: SNOW HILL ISLAND COLONY
During the Antarctic 2023/2024 season, Quark Expeditions welcomed a team of researchers aboard Ultramarine to study Emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island. Thanks to Ultramarine ’s two helicopters, the team accessed this remote colony for two focused field days—one of the first comprehensive surveys during the breeding season. The researchers deployed 15 GPS tracking tags on adult penguins, collected 40 guano samples for dietary DNA analysis, and captured aerial imagery using drones to support satellite monitoring techniques. Snow Hill, the most northerly Emperor penguin breeding site, offers insight into how colonies may be affected by warmer Antarctic temperatures.
Guests onboard Ultramarine benefited from educational opportunities to learn about Emperor penguin ecology, research methods and climate impacts through presentations and informal discussions. This type of collaboration showcases how travelers are transformed into informed advocates for polar conservation. To help identify emperor penguins from the aerial imagery, visit the Polar Observatory.
Photo: © Neil Ever Osborne (NeilEverOsborne.com)
Sustainability Report 2024: Our Commitment to Conservation & Community | 15
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