Eudyptula minor novaehollandiae

(Stephens, 1826)

Vernacular names
English : Little penguin
French : Manchot pygmée

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Sphenisciformes
Family : Spheniscidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known.

Identification
Smallest penguin species, reaching a body length of 41 cm for a weight of 2.1 kg. Feet are pinkish. Plumage is dark grey-blue except on lower cheeks, chin, throat and belly which are white. Wings are dark blue-grey with white edges.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in coastal regions of South Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and Chatham Island. Subspecies found in southern Australia and Tasmania. Lives in inshore temperate waters. Nests on rocky islands, near base of cliffs.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species remains locally abundant but is declining because of pollution, disturbance on breeding grounds and predation by introduced species.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation
Dallas World Aquarium (USA), Zoo Wuppertal (Germany), Kölner Zoo (Germany)

 

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