They have a large population, a wide range, and can live to be 15 to 20 years old. However, certain factors could also reduce their population. Temperatures are increasing because of global warming which will reduce penguin breeding grounds and melt the ice. Overfishing is also a danger. There is also a new, highly contagious disease called infectious bursitis virus (IBDV), which is found in chicks. However, even with all of these factors, emperor penguins are considered the least likely penguin species to become instinctual. Even though emperor penguins are not endangered, humans do many things that cause harm. for penguins, it's killing them. Fortunately, in 1959, a treaty called the Antarctic Treaty was issued, stating that it was illegal for people to hunt emperor penguins and their eggs. However, this rule slowly became irrelevant and now many people don't listen to it and kill them anyway. Another thing humans have done to hurt not only penguins but many marine animals is oil spills. Oil spills are usually caused when ships pass through the habitat of these animals. When penguins swim or groom themselves, they can accidentally swallow oil which can poison them and affect their health.