Peter Fretwell
A study published in the journal of Global Ecology and Biogeography in June 2009 described how a team of British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists used satellite images to survey the sea-ice that surrounds Antarctica to search for Emperor Penguin rookeries. The survey identified 38, ten of which were new. The team determined of the previously known rookeries, six has relocated and six were not found.
The key to the findings was guano (penguin poo) stains visible from space.
Peter Fretwell, the team's mapping expert explained, "We can't see the actual penguins on the satellite maps, because the resolution isn't good enough. But during the breeding season the birds stay at a colony for eight months. The ice gets pretty dirty and it's the guano stains that we can see."
Quark Expeditions is pleased that Peter Fretwell will be special guest aboard our October 25 to November 7, 2010 Emperor Penguins: Snow Hill Island Safari. In addition to sharing a close-up view of Emperors in the wild with our guests, Mr. Fretwell will share his insight into the latest techniques for studying the fragile ecosphere of Antarctica.