Pygoscelis papua ellsworthi

(Murphy, 1947)

Vernacular names
English : Gentoo penguin
French : Manchot papou

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Sphenisciformes
Family : Spheniscidae
Notes : 3 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach 81 cm in size for a weight of 8.5 kg. Unmistakable penguin species. Red bill with black culmen, pink feet. Black back, chin and wings with white edges, white breast and belly. Black head with white area above eyes.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is found on Antarctic Peninsula and South Sandwich Islands. The species also occurs on Falkland islands and nearby islands. Breeds on rocky shores, mostly on flat grounds.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species was thought to be in decline recently but studies reveal that most of its populations are actually increasing.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, ESB in Europe

Observation
National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (Taiwan), Diergaarde Blijdorp (Netherlands)

 

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