We will explain the characteristics, ecology, and habitat of the golden penguin (Kigashira penguin). The King penguin is a rare penguin that belongs to an endangered species. Their eyes are quite distinctive and have a golden color, making them a unique species. No other penguin species is similar.
Basic information about the penguin
The penguin is a bird belonging to the genus Penguin. The scientific name is Megadyptes antipodes and the English name is Yellow-eyed penguin. This penguin is 60-70cm long and lives near Antarctica. It is a rare species with a very limited habitat. Other names are Yellow-bellied Penguin and Grand Penguin.
| Japanese（和名） | キンメペンギン、キガシラペンギン、グランドペンギン |
| English（英名） | Yellow-eyed penguin |
| scientific name(学名) | Megadyptes antipodes |
| classification（分類） | Sphenisciformes, Spheniscidae, Megadyptes ペンギン目ペンギン科キンメペンギン属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Height（身長） | 60-70cm |
| Weight（体重） | 2-5kg |
What will happen to the classification?
The penguin was first described in 1841 by Jacques-Bernard Ombron and Honoré Jaquinot. It is the only species in the genus Megadyptes, and until now it was thought to be the same species as the little penguin. However, new molecular research in recent years has revealed that they are more closely related to penguins in the genus Eudyptes.
Taxonomy of Yellow-eyed Penguins
| 階級 | 分類 |
|---|---|
| 界 (Kingdom) | 動物界 (Animalia) |
| 門 (Phylum) | 脊索動物門 (Chordata) |
| 綱 (Class) | 鳥綱 (Aves) |
| 目 (Order) | ペンギン目 (Sphenisciformes) |
| 科 (Family) | ペンギン科 (Spheniscidae) |
| 属 (Genus) | Aptenodytes |
| 種 (Species) | Aptenodytes patagonicus |
About the habitat of the penguin
The regional distribution and habitat of the golden penguin is the southeastern part of New Zealand’s South Island, Stewart Island, Campbell Island, and the Auckland Islands.
- Distribution
Limited to subantarctic islands around Antarctica
Major breeding sites:
South Georgia Island
Falkland Islands
Kerguelen Islands
Macquarie Island, etc.
- Habitat
Forms breeding colonies on sandy beaches and rocky areas
Feeds at sea outside of the breeding season and is rarely seen on land
Migrates long distances at sea in winter, feeding on fish and krill
- Behavior and Migration
Always returns to breeding grounds during the breeding season
Swims tens to hundreds of kilometers around the surrounding ocean to feed
Spends most of their time at sea, limiting their terrestrial life to the breeding season
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The most distinctive feature of the golden penguin is its golden eyes and yellow plumage with black horizontal stripes. There is a thick yellow stripe from the base of the beak through the eyes to the back of the head. They do not share their breeding grounds with other penguins and are exclusive penguins.
- Physical Characteristics
Size: Approximately 70-90 cm in length, 11-16 kg in weight (large penguin)
Body Type: Stocky and streamlined, adapted for swimming
Feather Color:
Back: Gray to bluish-black
Belly: White
Bright orange-yellow spots on the sides of the head and thorax
Face: Black, with an orange base to the beak
Beak: Long and strong, adapted for preying on fish and squid
Legs: Short and strong, adapted for walking on rocky or sandy beaches
- Ecology and Behavior
Excellent swimmer: Pursues and preys on fish, krill, and squid in the ocean
Diet: Fish, krill, small squid
Reproduction:
Forms large colonies on rocky or sandy beaches
Pairs lay eggs and take turns incubating them
Sociality: Lives in groups and cooperates to raise chicks
- Personality and Characteristics
Sociable and cooperative: They form large flocks during breeding season.
Bold and tenacious: They breed even in cold environments.
Loyal: They are loyal to their mates and breeding grounds, breeding in the same place every year.
- Appearance
A large penguin with distinctive orange-yellow chest markings and a black face.
They are agile and powerful swimmers in the ocean, and have a stocky and adorable appearance on land.
They are also described as “orange-chested giants of the sea.”
What will your personality look like?
King penguins are extremely sedentary and tend to stay in the same area they choose once. They are very cautious and will try to intimidate other animals to keep them away. They nest alone and do not form colonies. An individualistic penguin. They never use caves or burrows.
Yellow-browed Penguin Personality (Behavioral Characteristics)
Social and cooperative
They form large colonies during the breeding season and live in groups.
They work together as a pair to care for their chicks.
Bold and tenacious
They breed in cold sub-Antarctic environments.
They are tenacious in protecting their chicks and eggs.
Loyal
Very loyal to their mates and breeding sites.
They often return to the same breeding sites every year and breed with the same pair.
Curious but cautious
Knocked down on changes in their surroundings and predators.
Bold while foraging, but cautious on land.
What is the ecology of the penguin?
King penguins live on fish, squid, and crustaceans. The breeding season is from September to October. Lays two eggs at a time. The chicks do not form crèches and most tend to stay close to their nest.
- Habitat and Environment
Limited to subantarctic islands around Antarctica
During the breeding season, they form colonies on sandy beaches or rocky coasts.
Forages at sea outside of the breeding season and rarely stays on land.
During winter, they travel long distances at sea, preying on fish and krill.
- Diet (Food)
Preys primarily on fish, krill, and small squid.
Dives underwater to pursue prey.
Forages primarily in the sea and rarely on land.
- Reproduction and Rearing
Breeding season is during the Southern Hemisphere summer (November to February).
They form large colonies on sandy beaches or rocky areas.
Each pair takes turns incubating eggs.
Chicks grow while being fed by their parents, and once they have fully developed feathers, they become independent in the sea.
- Behavior
Highly social, living in groups
Living in groups to protect themselves from predators (seals, seabirds, etc.)
Swimming quickly in the ocean, they pursue prey
On land, they focus on breeding and protecting their chicks
- Adaptability
Feathers and blubber allow them to withstand the harsh low temperatures of sub-Antarctic waters
Streamlined body shapes suitable for diving
Social cooperation allows for successful reproduction
What are the natural enemies of the penguin?
Because penguins are solitary, they tend to be easily targeted by predators. Predators include sea lions, dogs, cats, and weasels. Natural enemies include large fish and large birds in the ocean.
About Yellow-spotted Penguin Chicks
This article summarizes information about Yellow-spotted Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) chicks.
- Hatching
Two eggs are usually laid, but the first one to hatch often takes priority.
The incubation period is approximately 34-37 days.
The parents take turns incubating the eggs and protecting the chicks.
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Immediately after hatching, they are covered in fluffy gray down.
Their feathers are not yet waterproof, and they cannot swim.
They have a small, round body, and their limbs are underdeveloped.
- Growth and Development
Early Stage (1-2 weeks after hatching): They are warmed and protected by their parents.
Middle Stage (2-4 weeks): They are fed by their parents and gain strength.
Late Stage (5-8 weeks): Their feathers are replaced and become waterproof.
Chicks may form groups called “kreich” (chickling groups).
- Diet
The parents feed their young fish and krill by mouth.
The parents take turns foraging.
- Independence
Once their feathers have grown in and become waterproof, they begin foraging at sea.
They leave the sea and become independent at about 2-3 months of age.
They live cooperatively in flocks until they reach adulthood.
Is the golden penguin an endangered species?
It is estimated that there are 5,000 penguins in existence. It is designated as an endangered species, and its population is declining due to the following reasons:
Competition with fishing industry
Human populations are also increasing, and we are now catching more fish through fishing. This makes it difficult for macaroni penguins to secure food. Furthermore, due to global warming, it is no longer possible to catch fish that used to be nearby.
artificially introduced predators
Humans have introduced the predator to New Zealand. Originally, there were no terrestrial carnivores in New Zealand, but due to their introduction, they are at risk of extinction.
Is it possible to keep penguins?
The golden penguin is designated as an endangered species. Furthermore, since they are extremely solitary, it would be difficult to keep them unless you are an expert, considering that they are cautious. It is said that they do not get attached to each other.
- Constraints as a Wild Species
A wild species that inhabits sub-Antarctic sandy beaches and rocky areas.
Because they are adapted to low-temperature environments and foraging in wide ocean areas, captivity is extremely difficult.
There are few examples of captivity in zoos around the world, and captivity at home is impossible.
- Difficulties of Captivity
Temperature Control: Temperatures similar to the cold sub-Antarctic environment are required.
Aquarium Size: A large, deep saltwater pool is required for swimming.
Dietary Management: A large and stable supply of fish and krill is required.
Health Management: Wild species are susceptible to stress and disease, making it difficult for them to survive in an artificial environment.
Legal Restrictions: Import, export, and captivity are strictly restricted by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
- Summary
Keeping yellow-spotted penguins at home or in small facilities is virtually impossible.
Captivity is only possible in specialized facilities or research institutes under specially controlled conditions.
Actual captivity examples are extremely rare, and observation and conservation must be conducted in the wild.
コメント