Near “Akademik Vernadskyi” appeared the first penguins, which are preparing for nesting

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The first penguins at the station/NASC

Thousands of penguins are returning to the Ukrainian Antarctic station “Akademik Vernadskyi” to occupy nesting sites. After all, spring has begun on Galindez Island and the sea ice is melting.

This was announced by the National Antarctic Science Center (NASC) on Facebook.

With the arrival of spring and the melting of the ice, thousands birds are looking for the best places for nesting. According to the National Antarctic Science Center, biologist Svitozar Davydenko counted more than 3,500 penguins last week, and their number continues to grow.

It is expected that nesting will begin at the end of October or on beginning of November. Penguins build nests of pebbles and choose sites on elevations to protect themselves from melting snow. Last year, the number of birds on the island reached a record 7,000.

Some rocks, which are good for building nests, are already peeking out from under the snow, so the penguins actively share such areas among themselves – said Svitozar Davydenko.

Watching penguins is an important part of Antarctic fauna research, which helps to understand the ecosystem of the region and the impact of climate change on its inhabitants.