QUESTION:
Could penguins become extinct because of skua attacks?
        
        From Patricia O., PA


ANSWER from Donna Patterson, Research Assistant, Dr. Fraser's Team
            Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Fri, 21 Feb 1997 16:10:33 -0500


Dear Patricia, 

No, I don't think that penguins could become extinct because of skua 
attacks.  It is possible for skuas to send small colonies to 
extinction, but there will be penguins around to replace the ones 
lost.  The number of skuas that are preying on penguins is not enough 
to remove all the chicks produced by every nesting pair of penguins.  
Skuas usually spread their predatory efforts out over a large area, 
in that case, the effects are not felt as severely in one place. 

Thanks for your question!
Donna