Australian government backflips on cancellation of Antarctica penguin surveys

Declining numbers of Adélie penguins are among the projects the Australian Antarctic Division has recommitted to funding after budget shortfalls. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

The federal government has reversed its decision to cancel surveys of rapidly declining penguin populations in Antarctica and will send more scientists south this summer.

The decision comes after Guardian Australia revealed the Australian Antarctic Division planned to cancel, delay or restrict dozens of science projects, according to a leaked planning document.