The Galápagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is a penguin endemic to the Galápagos Islands. It is the only penguin to live on the equator and can survive due to the cool temperatures resulting from the Humboldt Current, an ocean current that flows north-westward along the west coast of South America. and cool waters from great depths brought up by the Cromwell Current (= an ocean current that is, in effect, a river flowing under the surface of an ocean).
These penguins stay in the archipelago. They stay by the Cromwell Current during the day since it is cooler and return to the land at night.
Its nearest relatives are the African Penguin, the Magellanic Penguin and the Humboldt Penguin. The Galápagos Penguin occurs primarily on Fernandina Island and the west coast of Isabela Island, but small populations are scattered on other islands in the Galápagos archipelago.
Description
The Galapagos Penguin is relatively small in comparison to other species of penguins, measuring 48-50 cm (19-20 inches) and weighing about 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds). The distinctive plumage of the Galapagos Penguins features a black head with white borders that run from behind the eyes, around the dark ear covers and chin and then connect at the throat. The upper parts are blackish grey, and the underparts whitish. Two black bands are visible across the chest, the lower one extending along the flanks down to the thighs.
The juvenile penguins can be easily distinguished because they are completely dark on the head and lack the breastband. They also have a lighter tone around the chin and sides. Although male and female Galapagos Penguins appear similar, the females tend to be smaller.
Diet / Feeding
They eat small schooling fish, mainly mullet, sardines, and sometimes crustaceans. They only go search for food during the day and normally within a few kilometres of their breeding site. They depend on the cold nutrient-rich currents to bring them food. According to IUCN Red List, this species is well documented.
Behavior
The Galapagos Penguins breed as many as three times a year, since they don’t have a specified breeding season. Because of this, they can choose when to breed, and they ultimately decide this depending on food supplies. Before they breed, the penguins moult, and they may do this twice a year. While the birds are moulting, they usually stay out of the water. They can go to the sea for food rather than starve, though, since the water is so warm in their area. Since they moult right before breeding, they are sure that they will not starve during the moulting process. Granted, that may mean that there is not enough food during the breeding season, but the survival of the adult penguins is more important than the younger ones since they are the ones that make sure the species does not go extinct. According to National Geographic, this species is well documented.
Predators
Because of the Galapagos Penguins’ smaller size, it has many predators. On land, the penguins must keep an eye out for crabs, snakes, owls, and hawks, while in the water, they must avoid sharks, fur seals, and sea lions. They face many hazards due to humans, as well as the hazards of unreliable food resources and volcanic activity. Illegal fishermen interrupt the penguins’ nesting area by knocking down mangrove trees, and they are often caught in fishing nets by mistake. Much balance has to be maintained to ensure that the Galapagos Penguins do not become extinct.
Breeding
Most nests are seen between May and January. The nests are made within 50 meters (164 ft) of the water on the shore. Adults stay near the breeding area during the year with their mate, whom they have chosen for life. When the penguins are breeding, incubation takes 38-40 days with both parents helping out. After thirty days of the chicks being born and both parents sharing the responsibility of taking care of them, the chicks have feathers that are brown above and white below. The purpose of this is to protect the chicks from the strong sun, more so than keeping them warm.
The Galapagos Penguin mates for life. It lays one or two eggs in places such as caves and crevices, protected from direct sunlight, which can lead to the eggs overheating. One parent will always stay with the eggs or chicks while the other is absent for several days to feed. The parents usually only raise one child. If there is not enough food available, the nest may be abandoned.
How Temperature Affects Galápagos Penguins?
The Galapagos Penguin is a penguin that lives in an island climate with temperatures ranging from 15-28°C. Breeding occurs most often when the sea surface temperature drops below 24 °C, as cooler water brings more food. Food is scarce during El Niño events, and penguins will often avoid breeding to not risk adult survival.
Penguins have developed clever ways to cool themselves off on land. They pant to release heat or stretch their flippers to cool their blood. They still face grave threats despite these adaptations. They are the rarest of all penguin species. The population dropped by more than 70% during the 1980s because of El Niño. It continues to be affected today by climate change and human impact, such as oil pollution and fishing. On Isabela Island, introduced predators such as cats, dogs, and rats also threaten eggs, chicks and pups. Natural predators include sharks and sea lions.
References
- BirdLife International (2005). 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. The database entry includes a justification for why this species is endangered
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