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Difference between revisions of "Emperor penguin"
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===Predators=== | ===Predators=== | ||
The emperor penguin's predators include birds and aquatic mammals. [[Southern giant | The emperor penguin's predators include birds and aquatic mammals. [[Southern giant petrel]]s are the predominant land predator of chicks, responsible for up to 34% of chick deaths in some colonies though they often scavenge dead penguins as well. The [[south polar skua]] mainly scavenges for dead chicks, as the live chicks are too large to be attacked by the time of its annual arrival in the colony. Occasionally, a parent may defend their chick from attack, although it may be more passive if the chick is sickly. | ||
The only known predators thought to attack healthy adults, and who attack emperor penguins in the water, are both mammals. The first is the [[leopard seal]]), which takes some adult birds, as well as fledglings soon after they enter the water. [[Orca|Orcas]], mostly take adult birds, although they will attack penguins of any age in or near water. | The only known predators thought to attack healthy adults, and who attack emperor penguins in the water, are both mammals. The first is the [[leopard seal]]), which takes some adult birds, as well as fledglings soon after they enter the water. [[Orca|Orcas]], mostly take adult birds, although they will attack penguins of any age in or near water. | ||