It sounds unlikely — but according to recent research, the droppings of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) could have a cooling effect on the Antarctic climate. In a study published in Communications Earth & Environment, researchers discovered that ammonia released from the excrement of these birds may contribute to cloud formation above Antarctica. These clouds act as a kind of thermal shield, reducing warming of the surface below.
Antarctica’s ecosystems are under increasing pressure. Melting sea ice poses a direct threat to penguins that depend on this cold environment. Their survival is closely tied to the preservation of icy coastal regions.
Yet ironically, they themselves appear to contribute to the preservation of that habitat. Along with other seabirds, penguins are an important source of ammonia in this southern region. In the atmosphere, ammonia reacts with sulfur-containing gases, leading to the formation of aerosol particles. These tiny particles are the beginning of clouds.
And these clouds do more than just look beautiful: they reflect sunlight, trap or block heat, and thus influence the temperature of the Earth’s surface and the survival of sea ice. The fact that penguin droppings play a role in this phenomenon makes it all the more intriguing.
Surprising Measurements at a Penguin Colony
Between January 10 and March 20, 2023, researchers Matthew Boyer, Mikko Sipilä, and their colleagues measured ammonia concentrations in the air near Marambio Base, Antarctica. On days when the wind came from an Adélie penguin colony — about 8 kilometers away and consisting of approximately 60,000 animals — the concentration rose to as high as 13.5 particles per billion. That is more than a thousand times higher than the normal background level, which is below 10.5 particles per trillion.
Even after the penguins departed in late February, the concentration remained unusually high: still more than a hundred times above normal levels. The reason? The remaining penguin droppings (guano) continued to emit ammonia. Even after the animals have long gone, their ecological ‘signature’ remains measurable in the air.
To confirm the effect on aerosols, researchers conducted additional measurements on one day. Whenever the wind came from the colony, both the number and size of particles in the air increased. A few hours later, mist even formed — a phenomenon likely directly related to the elevated aerosol concentration.
These findings support the idea that penguin guano indirectly helps stabilize the climate in their habitat. The birds appear to contribute, consciously or not, to their own survival chances in a changing climate. According to the authors, the research underscores how important it is to actively protect seabirds and their breeding grounds.
Verified Sources
- Penguin guano is an important source of climate-relevant aerosol particles in Antarctica: Published May 22, 2025 in Communications Earth & Environment.
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ammonia from penguin droppings do to the climate?
Ammonia from penguin droppings contributes to the formation of aerosol particles in the atmosphere. These particles stimulate cloud formation above Antarctica, which can have a cooling effect on the surface and help preserve sea ice.
How did researchers discover this?
Researchers measured ammonia concentrations in the air near a large Adélie penguin colony. On days when the wind came from the colony, the concentration rose to a thousand times above normal levels, with measurable effects on mist formation and particle density.
Why does ammonia concentration remain high after the penguins leave?
Even after departure, the remains of the colony — primarily the leftover droppings — continue to emit ammonia. This effect persists for weeks and shows how strongly animals can indirectly contribute to their environment.
Is this effect unique to penguins?
While penguins in Antarctica are a notable source, it is known that other seabirds also contribute to ammonia emissions in colder ecosystems. But the scale and measurability at penguin colonies make this phenomenon particularly special.
What does this research say about nature conservation?
The research emphasizes that even seemingly small or unexpected factors — such as droppings — can have a noticeable impact on climate processes. The importance of protecting seabird breeding grounds is thereby underscored once again.
Continue reading
- These Are The Critical Flaws In Evolution Theory: A Much-Needed Review Inspired By Dr. James Tour Ph.D.
- “I Didn’t Want to Come Back”: Said This Man Who Saw the Light and Understood Everything
- The Art of Forgiveness in 4 Phases and 9 Steps
- The Power of Positive Affirmations (and How Journaling Sometimes Clouds Them) – 8 Tips to Succeed
