LEFT As winter tightens its grip,
the males huddle for warmth,
backs hunched to the bitter
wind, eggs tucked safely into
brood pouches. “The huddle is
the emperor’s weapon against
the cold,” says Stefan. “It’s a
spectacular example of trust and
teamwork that enables the birds
to survive in a habitat not really
designed for supporting life.”
The insulating effect of the tightly
packed bodies is so effective that
the temperature at the core can
soar to an unbearable 35°C. At
this point, the pack breaks open,
throwing clouds of steam into
the freezing air.December 2019 BBC Wildlife 47