Aptenodytes forsteri

(Gray, 1844)

Vernacular names
English : Emperor penguin
French : Manchot empereur

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Sphenisciformes
Family : Spheniscidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Largest penguin species, growing to 115 cm in body length for a weight up to 46 kg. Plumage dark grey, black head with dull orange mark on sides. Breast and belly white with small light orange area. Bill relatively short, orange base.

Range and habitat
The species occurs around the coasts of Antarctica, all around the South Pole, from 66 to 78° S. Lives in ice floes near coast, coasts around frozen sea areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species remains locally abundant but it suffers from the effects of climate change. This can lead to the extinction of entire colonies.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Hengquin Chimelong Ocean Kingdom (China)

 

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