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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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