World Penguin Day 2022- April 25th

World Penguin Day is annually celebrated on 25th April to celebrate penguins, the unique, aquatic, flightless birds living in the southern hemisphere. The day also aims to create awareness about the threats and challenges faced by the Penguins. 

• According to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition(ASOC), 25th April coincides with the annual northern migration of Adélie penguins, a species of penguin that is native to Antarctica.

Background:

i.The researchers in Antarctica documented that a colony of Adelie penguins returned from spending months at sea on April 25 for multiple consecutive years.

ii.The scientists began celebrations on the 25th April to welcome the penguins and later the day became a global celebration of penguins. 

Penguin Awareness Day – January 20:

The 20th of January is annually observed as the Penguin Awareness Day to raise awareness about the flightless birds whose numbers are gradually diminishing by the day. 

The day also aims to bring international focus to the conservation of penguin habitats.

Conservation of Penguins:

i.At present all 18 species of penguins are legally protected from hunting and egg collecting.

ii.12 nations signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 and reauthorized it in 1991 to protect Antarctica and preserve its living resources. The treaty makes it illegal to harm, or in any way interfere with, a penguin or its eggs.

iii.The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) International treaty was developed in 1973 to regulate trade in certain wildlife species, including penguins. 

Threats: The top 5 threats faced by the Penguins are overfishing, plastic pollution, industrial development, invasive Predators, and Climate Change. 

About the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition(ASOC):

Founding Chair– Jim Barnes
Founded in 1978
Headquarters- Washington, D.C, United States of America(USA)