Penguins of the World (Species, Adaptations & Threats)

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Penguins are truly charismatic creatures and rank among some of the most intriguing birds on our planet. These flightless birds are intelligent and perfectly adapted to some of the harshest environments found on Earth.

With 18 recognized species, each showcasing its own distinct characteristics and behaviors, penguins offer a remarkable spectrum of diversity in terms of shapes and sizes. From the imposing presence of the majestic Emperor penguin to the endearing, pint-sized Little Blue penguin, these extraordinary creatures exemplify a captivating range of forms and adaptations.

In this article, we will explore their diverse species, unique adaptations, and the challenges they face in our ever-changing world, providing you with a glimpse into the world of penguins.

Penguin Overview

The term penguin refers to a family of flightless birds called Spheniscidae, and most species are found in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly around the Antarctic region. That said, there are also penguins found in parts of South Africa, South America, and even New Zealand. Despite what many people believe, there are no penguin species in the North Pole.

Have you ever heard someone refer to their spouse as their penguin? That saying comes from the fact that many penguin species mate for life, although this isn’t the case with every species, with some copulating with several individuals before finally settling down. However, those that do form incredibly strong long-term bonds will work as a team to raise their young. That’s impressive considering that these birds can live for around 20 years!

As well as having a complex relationship with their partners, penguins are also very effective communicators within their colonies. They use various body language gestures as well as vocal cues to ensure coordination within the group.

While penguins are unable to fly, they are excellent swimmers. This is because their wings have evolved into flippers, and they also have powerful breast muscles which they use when moving through the water.

Up until 2006, it was agreed that there were 17 species of penguin, but after this, the rockhopper penguin was divided into two separate species, making it a grand total of 18 species. These species are further divided into six groups to denote their type. 

• Aptenodytes are the largest types of penguins and are found in both the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. They are sometimes referred to as the great penguins.
• Pygoscelis are the second largest types of penguins and are found on both the mainland and island regions of the Antarctic. They also have brush-like tails.
• Eudyptes are only found on the islands of the sub-Antarctic and can be recognized by their distinct plumage, which means they’re often called crested penguins.
• Spheniscus penguins are largely found in subtropical and temperate regions and are sometimes called banded penguins because of their white markings.
• Megadyptes, despite their name, are actually the smallest types of penguins and are found in New Zealand. There are only two species within this group.
• Eudyptula are sometimes called the little penguins and can be found on Australian islands as well as the mainland and in New Zealand.

Penguins are a type of carnivorous bird that largely feeds on fish as well as other sea creatures like squid and krill. However, they’re also known to prey on crustaceans. In their Antarctic ecosystem, penguins are incredibly important as they’re considered to be biological indicators that can tell us a lot about the health of the Southern Ocean.

Adaptations of Penguins

Many species of penguin live in the Antarctic where the conditions can be incredibly harsh. But this doesn’t stop them from thriving, thanks to their perfectly adapted bodies.

Streamlined Bodies

Penguins have very strong and well-adapted breast muscles, which help them when swimming. But they also have streamlined bodies shaped like a torpedo, so they are able to move effortlessly through the water when hunting.

Not only this, but their body shape enables them to move much more quickly in the water and this allows them to catch prey as well as avoiding predation from animals like killer whales and leopard seals.

What’s more, their streamlined bodies enable them to dive deeply into the water, where food sources are abundant. In addition to this, they’re also able to hold their breath for an astonishing length of time; some species for as long as 30 minutes!

Flippers & Webbed Feet

Penguins have wings, but they’re not used for flying. Instead, these remarkable animals use them as flippers, which help to reduce drag under the water since they are covered in scales as opposed to feathers.

In addition to this, penguins also have webbed feet, which are essential for several reasons. Primarily, these feet allow the penguin to propel itself through the water as the skin between their toes creates a greater surface area for improved propulsion. But they’re also used for balance and steering.

These adaptations work together to make penguins incredibly agile and fast swimmers in the water, capable of reaching speeds of up to 22 mph (35 km/h)!

Countercurrent Heat Exchange System

You might wonder how penguins manage to stay warm while they’re swimming about in the ocean that’s often close to freezing. But this is something else that they’re specially adapted to do thanks to the arrangement of their blood vessels, which prevent their bodies from losing heat.

As blood cools in the penguin’s extremities, this is exchanged with warm blood from its core, ensuring that the bird doesn’t suffer the effects of hypothermia as a result of lost body heat.

When blood passes through the body of the penguin and heads towards the extremities, it has to pass through a network of small capillaries that are located just under the surface of the skin. During this time, the blood loses heat but at the same time, there is warmer blood in the arteries to maintain a healthy balance.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, consider how standing on ice all day might affect your feet. It doesn’t take me to tell you that you’d soon suffer from frostbite, but that’s not the case with penguins. Despite not having any fur or feathers on the feet like a lot of polar animals, penguins still stay warm in the feet. That again has a lot to do with the warm/cold blood exchange. But it’s also worth keeping in mind that owing to their highly insulated bodies, penguins often overheat, and it’s actually beneficial for them to release excess heat from their feet.

Insulation

On top of having an arterial system that helps to keep them warm, penguins are also highly insulated thanks to a layer of blubber (a type of adipose tissue) under the skin. Their feathers are also incredibly dense (up to 70 feathers per square inch) which not only improves insulation but also makes them waterproof because they’re coated with oil. This oil is produced by the preen gland and penguins will preen themselves to spread it around their feathers.

But there’s more to penguin feathers than meets the eye. While those top feathers are perfectly layered to keep out cold and water, underneath is a layer of downy feathers to further improve insulation by trapping heat.

Each year, penguins also experience a molt where their old feathers are shed and are replaced by new ones. However, during this time, which could be several weeks, the lack of feathers means that the bird is unable to swim. But it’s worth the wait as the new feathers are much denser and highly effective at protecting the penguin against the cold.

Supraorbital Gland

If you’ve ever accidentally swallowed sea water, you’ll know how unpleasant it tastes because of the high salt content. Not to mention that drinking salt water can be harmful to your health. But that’s not the case for penguins.

These birds have what is known as a supraorbital gland located above the eyes whose responsibility it is to remove excess salt from the body by trapping it and releasing it out of the nose. Because of this, penguins are able to drink seawater with no ill effects. That’s a good job considering there isn’t a lot of fresh water in their environments.

Nictitating Membrane

Many creatures in the animal world have a nictitating membrane which is essentially referred to as a third eyelid and serves as a method of protection. In the case of penguins, this comes in handy when they’re swimming in cold water.

The nictitating membrane almost acts like a swimming goggle and covers the penguin’s eye while still allowing it to see. Not only does this keep their eyes protected from the glare of the sun, preventing the eye from being damaged, but it also stops debris from getting in. Although the nictitating membrane doesn’t do much to protect from the cold, the blood vessels in the eyes do, which stops them from freezing. 

Countershading

While many penguins live in an icy white environment, they’re black and white in color. This might seem confusing since it’s not a viable method of camouflage. However, it’s in the water that they need to avoid predation, so their black and white color serves as a type of camouflage called countershading. This means that, when they’re in the water, they’re not easily seen from above or below, making them much more difficult for predators to spot.

Huddling Behavior

If you’re ever lost in a cold environment with another person, you’re taught to share body heat and this is something that penguins do perfectly. They engage in huddling where they’ll form large groups and pack themselves tightly together as a way of conserving heat and protecting themselves from harsh winds.

When they’re in a huddle, penguins will not only stand close to one another but they’ll also tuck their heads in to limit the amount of exposed skin. Plus, when they’re huddled together, they can raise the temperature in the huddle from the below freezing air temperatures to around 37°C (98.6°F)!

Penguin Species Diversity

The diversity among penguin species is really interesting, with different varieties living in various conditions and behaving in different ways.

1. Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)

The emperor penguin is one of the most well-known species of penguin in the world since it is the largest, and adults can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height! They’re found in Antarctica where they hunt for krill and fish, diving to depths of 1,640 feet (500 meters) in order to find food. Under the water, this species is able to hold its breath for as long as 30 minutes.

They’re also one of the easiest penguins to identify, if not for their size but their black backs, heads, and tails with a bright white underbelly. In the wild, they can live up to 20 years, although their lifespan largely depends on the environmental conditions, and many do not make it to this age.

When you think of Antarctica, you’ll likely think of this symbolic bird, which is a highly social species, regularly huddling with the thousands in the colony to keep warm; that’s important since the mercury can drop as low as -40°C (-40°F)! A thick layer of blubber also serves as protection from the cold, and this is a very well adapted species. 

It’s the male emperor penguin that’s responsible for protecting the eggs from the cold and they have a brood patch (a warm skin fold) that allows them to do this. When the chicks are born, they’ll also use this same method to protect them from the cold.

Sadly, the emperor penguin is now considered to be near threatened on the IUCN Red List, with populations estimated to be less than 600,000. 

2. King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)

The king penguin is another Antarctic species, found in the sub-Antarctic regions, and is also the second largest type of penguin in the world, measuring up to 3.1 feet (0.9 meters). What’s fascinating about these penguins is that some adults can live for up to and beyond 30 years in the wild. Again, this largely depends on predation rates and their environment.

King penguins are often the first species that come to mind with the yellow/orange coloration on the chest and neck, which makes them easily identifiable. In the wild, these are incredibly social birds that can gather in groups, called rookeries, whose numbers go into the thousands. Because of this, these penguins face no threat of extinction and are listed as being of least concern.

When it comes to hunting, the king penguin dives into the water using its flippers and torpedo-like body to move quickly and efficiently in pursuit of fish, krill, and squid. They can dive up to 984 feet (300 meters) in search of food.

Come breeding time, the parents will share the load and offer regurgitated food to the chick until it’s ready to take on the world alone. You may already be familiar with the way these penguins incubate their eggs by resting it on their feet.

3. Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae)

The Adélie penguin is an incredibly hardy species that is known to be able to withstand super cold temperatures because they have very dense feathers and a thick layer of blubber beneath the skin. That’s good news considering they’re found in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions; some of the coldest places on the planet.

Adélie penguins are extremely common and according to the IUCN Red List, their numbers are actually increasing. They’re very successful breeders, making nests out of rocks where they raise their young. What’s more, they’re impressive hunters and are able to dive up to 575 feet (175 meters) when looking for food, such as krill and fish. 

Adult Adélie penguins grow to between 18 and 28 inches (46 and 71 cm), so they’re much smaller than the previous two penguins I’ve discussed. They have black and white coloration with white rings around the eyes and can live for up to 20 years.

4. Chinstrap Penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica)

The chinstrap penguin is found in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions where they have some impressive diving abilities, going as far as 230 feet (70 meters) in search of small fish, squid, and krill. However, they typically hunt around the shoreline and don’t stay underwater for more than a minute at a time. Adults can grow up to 24 inches (61 cm) but may be as small as 18 inches (46 cm).

The chinstrap penguin takes its name from the black band running across the chin. The belly and throat are white, while the head and back are black, ideal for countershading camouflage. It’s thought that there are around 8 million chinstrap penguins in the wild, so they’re listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.

When it’s time to breed, this species gathers in large colonies and each female will lay two eggs, which she cares for in a rocky nest. As is the case with many penguin species, both mom and dad will take turns incubating the egg.

5. Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua)

The gentoo penguin, found in the sub-Antarctic regions, is an abundant species, and it’s thought that there are around 300,000 breeding pairs. As a result of this, they’re listed as being of least concern, and their populations are stable. 

Gentoo penguins are the third largest species and grow to around 20 lbs (9.1 kg), measuring 20 inches (51 cm) in height. They boast a white stripe across the head, which makes them easy to identify and their beaks are brightly colored in red to orange.

What’s interesting about these penguins is their long tail, which they primarily use for balance, but it’s also one of the ways they communicate with one another. Moreover, they’re known to be one of the fastest swimming birds that can move through the water at up to 36 mph (58 km/h). Another unique trait is the loud mating call that males make, trumpeting up into the air.

When it comes to breeding, just like Adélie penguins, this species creates a nest from rocks where females lay 2 eggs that incubate for around 35 days.

6. Macaroni Penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus)

The macaroni penguin is a type of crested penguin, of which there are five others. The crest is bright yellow in color, which looks just like the macaroni haircut of the same name. Adults grow to around 28 inches (71 cm).

It is reported that the macaroni penguin is the most abundant in the world, but despite this, their numbers are dropping, which means they’re now listed as vulnerable. Still, it’s thought that there are around 18 million breeding pairs, so as long as we protect them, there’s a positive outlook. 

Macaroni penguins are found in both the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions, including the South Sandwich Islands and the Falklands, where they dive up to 328 feet (100 meters) in search of squid, fish, and krill. While they are adept divers, they’re only able to remain submerged for two minutes at a time.

As is the case with a lot of penguin species, macaroni penguins are very social animals and form colonies that can go into the tens of thousands. In South Georgia, millions of macaroni penguins arrive in October for breeding season, which demands a lot of energy and sees adults losing as much as half of their body weight.

7. Royal Penguin (Eudyptes schlegeli)

The royal penguin is native to Macquarie Island and the surrounding islets, where this species is known for being noisy and gregarious, especially during the breeding season. Individuals will make loud, trumpeting calls and can gather in their thousands. However, after breeding, many are known to migrate to nearby Australia and New Zealand.

When hunting, they will dive up to 328 feet (100 meters) into the water in search of fish and krill.

Royal penguins are a medium sized species, and adults can grow to around 30 inches (76 cm). These penguins have a very unique appearance with a white chinstrap, a brightly colored crest and a deep black head. Their appearance isn’t all that dissimilar to the macaroni penguin.

Despite their limited range, there are thought to be around 150,000 mature individuals in the wild, making them of least concern.

8. Snares Penguin (Eudyptes robustus)

Out of all the species of crested penguins, the snares penguin is the smallest and only grows to around 20 inches (51 cm) and doesn’t weigh more than around 5-6 lbs (2.3-2.7 kg). What’s more, this species isn’t a deep diver, only swimming to depths of around 20 feet (6.1 meters) in search of fish and krill.

As their name suggests, this species is found on the Snares Islands of New Zealand, and colonies can contain as many as 1200 nests, with females laying two eggs each breeding season.

This species has a crest that runs from the bill over the head and has dark red eyes with black and white plumage. Sadly the Snares penguin has a very limited range, which means that they are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. What’s more, they are extremely sensitive to the effects of climate change and are reported to be suffering from habitat loss. All of this combined means there are only around 63,000 individuals in the wild.

9. Erect-Crested Penguin (Eudyptes sclateri)

In the Southern Pacific Ocean, we find the Antipodes and Bounty Islands, and it’s here that we meet the erect-crested penguin. On the tops of their heads, we see a yellow, spiked crest that comes down over the beak. This is a medium-sized species that usually grows to around 28 inches (71 cm) in height.

While most penguins are diurnal, the erect-crested penguin is a nocturnal hunter but still feeds on a similar diet of krill, squid, and fish. In order to remain warm in the cold waters, this species has a thick layer of blubber and dense feathers.

In a phenomenon known as obligate brood reduction, the erect-crested penguin will lay two eggs but will typically reject the first one as the chick is usually weaker. The second stronger egg is where the parents place their focus, and the first chick doesn’t usually survive. 

Unfortunately, the erect-crested penguin is under threat from all angles and is predated by cats and rats. There are also problems with habitat loss as a result of human activity, and this has led to a decline in their numbers, with only 150,000 left in the wild. This means that they’re now classified as endangered. 

10. Yellow-Eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes)

The yellow-eyed penguin is one of the rarest penguins in the world and they’re only found in New Zealand, with most populations being located in very limited regions of the South Island. Because of this limited range, the yellow-eyed penguin is listed as critically endangered, and it’s estimated that only around 4000 remain in the wild. What’s more, according to the IUCN Red List, their numbers are still declining. It is thought that the changing sea surface temperature could be one of the main causes of this. 

With yellow eyes that are surrounded by banded yellow feathers, it’s easy to see where this species got its name. You can also identify it by the blackish/blue coloration to the wings and white head. Adults usually grow to around 28 inches (71 cm), making this one of the larger penguin species.

During the day, yellow-eyed penguins can be seen hunting in the water for small fish, krill and squid along the coastlines. However, they will choose their nests under the cover of coastal forests and, much like other penguin species, both parents take active roles in incubating the eggs and raising the young.

11. Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus)

Most penguins live much further south, but the Galapagos penguin lives along the equator on the Galapagos archipelago of South America. You might wonder how they survive the warmer temperatures in this part of the world since most penguins are adapted to the cold, but the Galapagos penguin has its own set of adaptations, including panting. They’ll also actively seek out shade to cool down.

This is the second smallest penguin species and grows no bigger than 19 inches (48 cm) when it reaches adulthood. They have a white belly and black heads and backs with a dark band running across the chest.

Sadly, there are a very limited number of Galapagos penguins left in the wild, around 1200 and this means that they’re listed as endangered. Not only are they vulnerable to climate change, but this species is also predated by dogs, cats, and rats that feed on their eggs and young. However, there are conservation efforts in place to protect their habitat and tourism is strictly controlled to avoid disturbing the penguins.

Speaking of which, these penguins will breed year round and mate for life, forming a strong bond with their partner. This bond is demonstrated through the teamwork that the parents employ when taking care of their young.  In the wild, an individual Galapagos penguin can live for as long as 20 years.

12. African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus)

When you think of places that penguins live, you might not immediately think of Africa, but there is one species that is native to the southwestern parts of the continent and it’s commonly referred to as the jackass penguin. This is because of the braying call they make that sounds like a donkey.

African penguins grow to around 24 inches (61 cm) and are identifiable by their tuxedo-like coloration as well as the pink gland located above their eyes. This gland is designed to help them regulate their temperature. As the bird gets warmer, this gland becomes more obviously pink.

In terms of breeding, African penguins will not mate for life but they will return to the same breeding partner for several years in a row. Interestingly, this species will build its nest from bird poop as a way to deter predators and protect the young from the wind.

The diet of the African penguin is very similar to other species and includes krill and small fish. When hunting, they’re able to dive as deep as 426 feet (130 meters) and will swim at up to 12 mph (20 km/h); in fact, they’re some of the best swimmers in the penguin world.

However, a decrease in populations has been noted as a result of oil spills, overfishing, and habitat loss, which means there are now only around 40,000 individuals left in the wild, rendering the species endangered. The good news is that conservationists are working hard to restore the habitat of the African penguin and are even breeding them in captivity to boost their numbers.  

13. Fiordland Penguin (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus)

The fiordland penguin is a crested species that is native to New Zealand, where it is protected by law owing to its near threatened status. Numbers have declined so much in recent years that it’s thought as few as 5000 individuals remain in the wild, making this one of the rarest penguin species on the planet. It doesn’t help that they have a very limited range and are only found on the South Island in the Fiordland region. 

As a result of this, conservation efforts are taking place to create a predator-free island where this species can nest in peace and hopefully begin to thrive. In their current range, they’re predated by a whole host of creatures, including seals, ferrets, and stoats. 

These penguins grow to around 24 inches (61 cm) in height and have bright yellow eyebrows that make it easy to distinguish. Just like the jackass penguin, the fiordland penguin boasts a braying call that can be heard from quite far away.

The fiordland penguin does not feed its chicks with regurgitated food but rather pieces of fish and squid and again, both parents do their fair share of work when it comes to raising their young. What’s more, this is a species that mates for life and can be found nesting among dense vegetation.

14. Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)

I love that the nickname for the little penguin is the fairy penguin, or sometimes the blue penguin, but that’s not as cute! They take this moniker from the fact that they’re the smallest penguin species, measuring no more than 13 inches (33 cm) as an adult.

You’ll find little penguins around the coasts of southern Australia and New Zealand, as well as some of the other surrounding islands where they make their nests among the rocks or vegetation. They’re a very vocal species that uses noisy communication to pass information between colony members, and these colonies can get pretty big in breeding season, which can number in the thousands.

However, it’s thought that there are only between 350,000 and 600,000 individuals left in the wild as they’re threatened by human disturbance, habitat loss, and predation of non-native species. However, on the IUCN Red List, they’re still considered to be of least concern. In some areas, populations declined so rapidly that dogs were employed to protect colonies.

Little penguins have a bluish/gray coloration to the back with white feathers on the front. Another identifying feature is the white stripe that runs along the belly.

15. Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti)

The Humboldt penguin is sometimes called the Chilean or Peruvian penguin, but it was actually named after a cold ocean current of the same name. This species can grow up to 27.5 inches (70 cm) and has a black band around the neck as well as black markings on the chest that resemble a horseshoe.

These are often the types of penguins that you’ll see in the zoo, although they’re found in the wild along the west coasts of South America, where they inhabit rocky areas and cliffs. During breeding season, the Humboldt penguin parents will take turns to incubate the egg and will return to the same nesting site every year. What’s more, this species is known for the strong pair bonds it forms and the impressive courtship displays, which include preening, bowing, and a series of loud vocal calls. 

Sadly, it’s thought that there are only just over 23,000 Humboldt penguins left in the wild and this has led to them being listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. That said, there are many conservation efforts in place, including educating the public in zoos and aquariums as well as nest protection in the wild.  

Feeding on a diet similar to other penguin species, the Humboldt is a night time hunter that may travel as far as 57 miles (92 km) from the colony in search of food.

16. Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

The magellanic penguin, named in 1519 by an explorer called Ferdinand Magellan, who discovered it, is found in South America, particularly along the Argentinian, Chilean, and Falkland coasts. However, when it’s breeding season, they will head north towards Peru and Brazil, where females will lay two eggs, which require incubation for 40 days. Parents take it in turns caring for the egg and will feed the chick on regurgitated food for the first 30 to 40 days of life.

While it is thought that there are around 300,000 magellanic penguins in the wild, their numbers are decreasing. Although, they’re still listed as being of least concern. 

These are medium sized penguins with adults growing up to 10.2 lbs (4.6 kg) and measuring between 24 and 30 inches (61 and 76 cm) in height. They feed on a diet of fish, squid, and crustaceans and generally stay closer to the surface when hunting, not usually going deeper than 164 feet (50 meters).

To identify a magellanic penguin, you’ll notice their black upperparts and white belly with a band of black feathers that run across the chest. However, when the weather gets hot, they’re known to shed their feathers to cool down.

17. Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi)

There are three species of rockhopper penguin, and the northern rockhopper is found around the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This is a small species of penguin, and adults don’t typically grow to more than 22 inches (56 cm). With spiky yellow feathers on the head, pink feet, and red eyes, they’re easy to tell apart from other species and can be seen feeding on krill and squid.

Unfortunately, with just over 400,000 northern rockhoppers left in the wild, this species is considered to be endangered as a result of climate change and habitat loss as well as overfishing. In the last 60 years, it’s estimated that populations have declined by as much as 90%.

Despite this, they’re successful breeders and can live for up to 15 years in the wild and 25 years in captivity. When it comes to finding a mate, these penguins are very aggressive and will slap each other with their flippers to show dominance. Once they’ve nested, which is usually high up on a cliff, they use their strong legs to access their nest.

18. Southern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome)

The second species of rockhopper penguin is the southern rockhopper which is found in the southern parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Like their northern counterparts, they have a yellow crest on the head and can be seen marching uniformly which is one of their most unique traits.

The southern rockhopper, like many other penguins, feeds primarily on small marine creatures and krill. Since they’re such excellent swimmers, they’re able to dive deeply and may venture up to 98 miles (158 km) from their colony in search of food.

Sadly, southern rockhoppers are under various threats, including oil spills and habitat loss. While there are still thought to be more than two and a half million individuals in the wild, these numbers are decreasing, and they’re now listed as vulnerable. However, it’s important that they are protected since this species is important for the ecosystem in that it helps to keep the balance as both a predator and a prey species.

Threats Impacting Penguin Populations

While penguins are largely abundant, they, like many other species, face a variety of threats that could cause their numbers to decline to worrying levels.

Climate Change

You’d have to have been living under a rock not to be aware of the rising sea temperatures and melting ice in the polar regions. This has come as a result of climate change and is something that’s drastically affecting penguin species.

Let’s take the emperor penguin as an example. With conditions changing as rapidly as they are, it’s expected that climate change could cause all populations to decline by as much as 50% in the next century. King penguins face similar threats, and it’s projected that before the 21st century is out, as many as 70% of all king penguins could be gone. 

What’s more, as temperatures continue to rise, many species, like the gentoo penguin are being forced out of their habitat and have to move further south. Too many penguins in one area could be devastating as this would lead to competition over resources.

However, in some regions, the melting ice means more ground to nest upon, which has meant a rise in the number of some penguin species, such as the Adélie penguin. But for the most part, it’s bad news, and conservationists are warning that the efforts to save our penguins have to be on a global scale. 

Habitat Loss

Since penguins colonize in their thousands, it goes without saying that they require ample habitat. But the actions of humans such as tourism, plastic pollution, and oil spills are degrading their natural habitat and even encroaching on it which has a direct impact on their populations.

In South Africa, it is believed that noisy shipping activity could be responsible for a decline in numbers of the continent’s only penguin species. Not only are many penguins dying or being forced to move out of the area, but those that remain were reported to be emaciated.

Plastic pollution in the ocean isn’t just causing problems at levels that are visible to the naked eye. Microplastics are consumed by marine invertebrates which penguins often feed on. In studies, it was shown that around 15% of all magellanic penguins had ingested some sort of plastic that had caused wounds including perforations to the stomach.

Overfishing

As I have discussed throughout this article, fish and krill are some of the main food sources for penguins. But as humans continue to overfish, these resources are being destroyed, leading to a decline in penguin populations as a result of starvation.

As if the African penguin wasn’t facing enough problems with habitat loss, it’s also struggling with the effects of overfishing. However, the South African government has taken note of the problem and is working to control fishing and protect certain marine environments. 

Overfishing is considered to be the biggest threat to penguins as it has caused the decline of krill by up to 80% in the last forty years alone.

Predators

While penguins are adept hunters themselves, they’re not at the top of the food chain and are susceptible to predator attacks from the likes of larger birds, sea lions, and seals as well as much larger marine animals like orcas.

Adélie and gentoo penguin chicks are often taken by skuas, and they pose a significant threat as they share the same habitat and are often found living among penguin colonies. What’s more, these predatory seabirds will usually work in pairs with one distracting the parents, while the other attacks the nest.

Frequently Asked Questions