Humboldt Penguin Latest News
Recently, Chilean scientists warned of further risks to the world’s shrinking population of Humboldt penguins.
About Humboldt Penguin
- The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) belongs to a genus that is commonly known as the ‘banded’ group.
- They are so named because their habitat is located near the Humboldt Current, a large oceanic upwelling characterised by cold waters.
- Distribution: Humboldt penguins are endemic to the Pacific coasts of Chile and Peru. Chile’s Pacific coast is home to 80% of the world’s remaining Humboldt penguins,
- Appearance:
- They have large, bare skin patches around their eyes, an adaptation to help keep them cool, according to the Smithsonian Institute.
- They are a medium-sized species with an average height of just over 2 ft.
- Breeding season: Their breeding season in the wild is either March-April or September-October depending on the location of the colony.
- Humboldt penguins are monogamous and recognize their partner in the colony through distinct vocal cues.Â
- Threats: Competition for food from commercial fishing as well as habitat loss, pollution, bird flu and the worsening impacts of climate change have contributed to declining numbers.
Conservation Status of Humboldt Penguin
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
Source: DD News
Humboldt Penguin FAQs
Q1: What is the scientific name of the Humboldt Penguin?
Ans: Spheniscus humboldti
Q2: Where is the primary habitat of the Humboldt Penguin?
Ans: Coastal regions of South America
