More than 90% of the so-called “king penguins” are expected to disappear by the end of the 21st century, as the Antarctic summer ice recedes due to the progressive warming of the planet.

Scientists observed the collapse of five penguin roosts in the Bellingshausen Sea, using the EU’s Sentinel-2 satellites to study the birds’ tracks on the white ice.

Adult penguins arrive on the ice in March to give birth and feed their young, with the young leaving the area around December.

A large amount of ice broke up in November, before the young penguins spread their wings.

Of the five areas, only the penguins on Rothschild Island survived.

The situation is worsening as, in addition to warming the water around Antarctica, strong winds are pushing the ice towards the coast.

The sea ice extent is much smaller than usual and this is a worrying change.

Dr. Caroline Holmes, an expert on Antarctic sea ice, links the decline to ocean warming and anomalous wind patterns.

These changes constitute a major disturbance in the ecosystem rhythm of Antarctica and confirm the need to take immediate measures to preserve the environment.

“Emperor penguins depend on sea ice for their breeding cycle; it’s the stable platform they use to raise their young. But if that ice isn’t as extensive as it should be or breaks up faster, these birds are in trouble,” Dr. Peter Fretwell.

However, he stressed that there is hope. “We can reduce the carbon emissions that cause global warming. But if we don’t, we will drive these iconic, beautiful birds to the brink of extinction.”