Weighing a penguin without first catching it has proved a problem for the
British Antarctic Survey. But last week a new automated weighbridge was tested
on captive Macaroni penguins at Banham Zoo, Norfolk, allowing scientists to
learn how much chicks are eating without disturbing the colony. The device is
destined for South Georgia, where it will allow one Macaroni in or out of a
colony at a time, either going to the sea or returning. Kate Barlow of the BAS
says the device makes the animals pause briefly for weighing by forcing them to
jump on and off a platform. Numbers of the penguins have halved since 1976.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Mind
THC in cannabis may reduce nightmares in people with PTSD
News
Environment
Fishers detonate a bomb every hour on one Indonesian coral reef
News
Environment
How bad is the UK drought and how long will it continue?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles