The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
ISSN 2307-8235 (online)
IUCN 2008: T22697755A40173793
Pygoscelis papua, Gentoo Penguin
Assessment by: BirdLife International
View on www.iucnredlist.org
Citation: BirdLife International. 2012. Pygoscelis papua. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
2012: e.T22697755A40173793. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.20121.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
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THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™
Taxonomy
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Animalia
Chordata
Aves
Sphenisciformes
Spheniscidae
Taxon Name: Pygoscelis papua (Forster, 1781)
Common Name(s):
• English:
Gentoo Penguin
Taxonomic Source(s):
del Hoyo, J., Collar, N.J., Christie, D.A., Elliott, A. and Fishpool, L.D.C. 2014. HBW and BirdLife
International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Lynx Edicions BirdLife International.
Identification Information:
Identification 51-90 cm. The third largest penguin, although body size is highly variable across its range.
Males typically larger than females. Black face, head and back. Conspicuous, but variable, white patches
above eyes, typically meeting across the crown. Bright red-orange bill with black along the upper
mandible and at the tip. Feet, pale whitish-pink to red.
Assessment Information
Red List Category & Criteria:
Near Threatened ver 3.1
Year Published:
2012
Date Assessed:
May 1, 2012
Justification:
This species qualifies as Near Threatened because, while some populations have apparently increased,
rapid declines in some key populations are suspected to be driving a moderately rapid global population
decline.
Previously Published Red List Assessments
2010 – Near Threatened (NT)
2008 – Near Threatened (NT)
2004 – Near Threatened (NT)
2000 – Lower Risk/near threatened (LR/nt)
1994 – Lower Risk/least concern (LR/lc)
1988 – Lower Risk/least concern (LR/lc)
Geographic Range
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pygoscelis papua – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
1
Range Description:
Pygoscelis papua has a circumpolar breeding distribution that ranges in latitude from Cape Tuxon on the
Antarctic Peninsula (65°16'S) to the Crozet Islands (46°00'S) (Lynch 2012). The three most important
locations, containing 80% of the global population, are the Falkland Islands (Malvinas): 115,327
individuals (Clausen and Huin 2003), South Georgia: 98,867 individuals (South Georgia & the South
Sandwich Islands) (Trathan et al. 1996) and the Antarctic Peninsula (incl. South Shetland Island): 94,751
individuals (Lynch et al. Unpublished). Other breeding sites include Kerguelen Island: 30,000-40,000
individuals (Weimerskirch et al. 1988) and Crozet Island: 9,000 individuals (Jouventin 1994) in the
French Southern Territories, Heard Island (to Australia): 16,574 individuals (Woehler 1993), South
Orkney Islands: 10,760 individuals (Lynch et al. Unpublished), Macquarie Island (Australia): 3,800
individuals, South Sandwich Islands: 1,572 individuals (Convey et al. 1999) and Marion Island (South
Africa): 1,100 (Crawford et al. 2009). Small numbers are also found on Prince Edward Island (South
Africa) and on Martillo Island and Islas de los Estados in Argentina (Bingham 1998, Ghys et al. 2008).
Populations on sub-Antarctic islands may have decreased substantially in the past—at Bird Island, South
Georgia by c.67% in 25 years (J. P. Croxall in litt. 1999), at Marion Island by 11% over the period 19941997 (Barnes 2000) and on the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) by c.45% from 1932-33 to 1995-95 (Bingham
1998)—but, now appear stable (Trathan et al. 1996, Bingham 2002, Clausen and Huin 2003, Crawford et
al. 2009, Forcada and Trathan 2009). Populations may still be declining on Heard Island and on
Kerguelen Island (Lescroël and Bost 2006). Populations are increasing at most sites where they are
monitored on the Antarctic Peninsula, particularly at those sites at the southern extent of their breeding
range (Lynch et al. 2008, Lynch 2012). Populations also appear to be increasing on the South Orkney
(Forcada and Trathan 2009) and South Sandwich Islands (Convey et al. 1999). The global population was
estimated at 314,000 breeding pairs (Woehler 1993), however, a more recent estimate of 387,000 pairs
suggests that the population may be increasing, particularly in the south of its range (Lynch 2012).
Country Occurrence:
Native: Antarctica; Argentina; Chile; Falkland Islands (Malvinas); French Southern Territories; Heard
Island and McDonald Islands; South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Vagrant: Australia; New Zealand; Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha; South Africa
Present - origin uncertain: Bouvet Island
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pygoscelis papua – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
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Distribution Map
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pygoscelis papua – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
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Population
Population trends are difficult to establish because of large year-to-year fluctuations in the size of the
breeding population, however, it is believed that several populations have experienced significant
declines in the past. The global population was estimated at 314,000 breeding pairs (Woehler 1993),
however, a more recent estimate of 387,000 pairs suggests that the population may be increasing,
particularly in the south of its range (Lynch 2012).
Trend Justification
Populations on sub-Antarctic islands are thought to have decreased substantially, although fluctuations
make it difficult to ascertain long-term trends.
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
Habitat and Ecology (see Appendix for additional information)
Nests on flat beaches or among tussock grasses in South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Further
south, on the Antarctic Peninsula, nests are typically on low lying gravel beaches and dry moraines.
Colonies are much smaller than other Pygoscelids, with the largest including only c. 6,000 breeding pairs
(Lynch et al. 2008). Opportunistic feeder, preying predominantly on crustaceans, fish, and squid.
Preference for foraging inshore, close to the breeding colony.
Systems: Terrestrial, Marine
Threats (see Appendix for additional information)
Historically, egg collection was widespread on the Falkland Islands (Clausen and Pütz 2002), and some
legal egg collection still continues (Otley et al. 2004). Increasing oil exploration around the Falkland
Islands is a growing concern (Lynch 2012). Disturbance from tourism has been shown to cause
decreased breeding productivity (Trathan et al. 2008, Lynch et al. 2009) and the associated marine
traffic is likely to impact penguins foraging in inshore waters (Lynch et al. 2010). Interactions with
fisheries may also be a problem (Ellis et al. 1998).
Conservation Actions (see Appendix for additional information)
Conservation Actions Underway
None known. Conservation Actions Proposed
Continue/extend long-term monitoring of breeding colonies. Minimize disturbance to breeding colonies.
Minimize oil and other pollution in breeding and foraging areas.
Credits
Assessor(s):
BirdLife International
Reviewer(s):
Butchart, S. & Symes, A.
Contributor(s):
Croxall, J.
Facilitators(s) and
Compiler(s):
Benstead, P., Calvert, R., McClellan, R., O'Brien, A., Symes, A. & Allinson, T
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pygoscelis papua – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
4
Bibliography
Barnes, K. N. 2000. The Eskom Red Data Book of birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. BirdLife
South Africa, Johannesburg.
Bingham, M. 1998. The distribution, abundance and population trends of Gentoo, Rockhopper and King
penguins in the Falkland Islands. Oryx 32: 223-322.
Bingham, M. 2002. The decline of Falkland Islands penguins in the presence of a commercial fishing
industry. Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 75: 805-818.
Clausen, A. and K. Pütz. 2002. Recent trends in diet composition and productivity of gentoo, Magellanic
and rockhopper penguins in the Falkland Islands. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater
Ecosystems 12: 51-61.
Clausen, A. P. and Huin, N. 2003. Status and numerical trends of king, gentoo, and rockhopper penguins
breeding in the Falkland Islands. Waterbirds 26(4): 389-402.
Convey, P., Morton, A. and Poncet, J. 1999. Survey of marine birds and mammals of the South Sandwich
Islands. Polar Record 35(193): 107-124.
Crawford, R. J. M.; Whittington, P. A.; Upfold, L.; Ryan, P. G.; Petersen, S. L.; Dyer, B. M.; Cooper, J. 2009.
Recent trends in numbers of four species of penguins at the Prince Edward Islands. African Journal of
Marine Science 31(3): 419-426.
del Hoyo, J.; Elliot, A.; Sargatal, J. 1992. Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 1: Ostrich to Ducks. Lynx
Edicions, Barcelona, Spain.
Ellis, S., Croxall, J.P. and Cooper, J. 1998. Penguin conservation assessment and management plan: report
from the workshop held 8-9 September 1996, Cape Town, South Africa. IUCN/SSC, Apple Valley, USA.
Forcada, J.; Trathan, P. N. 2009. Penguin responses to climate change in the Southern Ocean. Global
Change Biology 15: 1618-1630.
Ghys, M. I.; Rey, A. R.; Schiavini, A. 2008. Population trend and breeding biology of Gentoo Penguin,
Martillo Island, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Waterbirds 31(4): 625-631.
IUCN. 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 2012.1). Available at: http://www.iucnredlist.org.
(Accessed: 19 June 2012).
Jouventin, P. 1994. Les populations d'oiseaux marins des T.A.A.F.: résumé de 20 années de recherche.
Alauda 62: 44-47.
Lescroel, A.; Bost, C. A. 2006. Recent decrease in Gentoo Penguin populations at Iles Kerguelen.
Antarctic Science 18: 171-174.
Lynch, H. J., Crosbie, K., Fagan, W. F. and Naveen, R. 2010. Population trends and reproductive success at
a frequently visited penguin colony on the western Antarctic Peninsula. Polar Biology 33: 493-503.
Lynch, H. J., Crosbie, K., Fagan, W. F. and Naveen, R. 2010. Spatial patterns of tour ship traffic in the
Antarctic Peninsula region. Antarctic Science 22(2): 123-130.
Lynch, H. J., Fagan, W. F., Naveen, R., Trivelpiece, S. G. and Trivelpiece, W. Z. 2009. Timing of clutch
initiation in Pygoscelis penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula: Towards an improved understanding of offpeak census correction factors. CCAMLR Science 16: 149-165.
Lynch, H. J.; Naveen, R.; Fagan, W. F. 2008. Censuses of penguins, Blue-eyed Shags and Southern Giant
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pygoscelis papua – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
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Petrel populations on the Antarctic Peninsula, 2001-2007. Marine Ornithology 36: 83-97.
Lynch, H. L. 2012. The gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua). In: García Borboroglu, P. G. and Boersma P. D.
(eds), Biology and Conservation of the World’s penguins, University of Washington Press, Seattle U.S.A.
Otley, H.M.; Clausen, A. P.; Christie, D.J.; Pütz, K. 2004. Aspects of the breeding biology of the Gentoo
Penguin Pygoscelis papua at Volunteer Beach, Falkland Islands, 2001/02. Marine Ornithology 32: 167171.
Trathan, P. N., Daunt, F. H. J. and Murphy, E. J. (eds). 1996. South Georgia: An Ecological Atlas. British
Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, UK.
Weimerskirch, H.; Zotier, R.; Jouventin, P. 1988. The avifauna of the Kerguelen islands. Emu 89: 15-29.
Woehler, E. J. 1993. The distribution and abundance of Antarctic and Subantarctic penguins. Scientific
Commission on Antarctic Research, Cambridge, U.K.
Citation
BirdLife International. 2012. Pygoscelis papua. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012:
e.T22697755A40173793. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
Disclaimer
To make use of this information, please check the Terms of Use.
External Resources
For Images and External Links to Additional Information, please see the Red List website.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pygoscelis papua – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
6
Appendix
Habitats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Habitat
Season
Suitability
Major
Importance?
4. Grassland -> 4.3. Grassland - Subantarctic
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.1. Marine Neritic - Pelagic
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.1. Marine Neritic - Pelagic
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.2. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Rock and Rocky Reefs
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.2. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Rock and Rocky Reefs
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.3. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Loose Rock/pebble/gravel
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.3. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Loose Rock/pebble/gravel
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.4. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Sandy
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.4. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Sandy
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.5. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Sandy-Mud
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.5. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Sandy-Mud
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.7. Marine Neritic - Macroalgal/Kelp
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.7. Marine Neritic - Macroalgal/Kelp
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.9. Marine Neritic - Seagrass (Submerged)
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.9. Marine Neritic - Seagrass (Submerged)
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
10. Marine Oceanic -> 10.1. Marine Oceanic - Epipelagic (0-200m)
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
10. Marine Oceanic -> 10.1. Marine Oceanic - Epipelagic (0-200m)
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
10. Marine Oceanic -> 10.2. Marine Oceanic - Mesopelagic (200-1000m)
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
10. Marine Oceanic -> 10.2. Marine Oceanic - Mesopelagic (200-1000m)
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
Use and Trade
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
End Use
Local
National
International
Food - human
Yes
Yes
No
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pygoscelis papua – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
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End Use
Local
National
International
Fuels
Yes
Yes
No
Pets/display animals, horticulture
No
No
Yes
Threats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Threat
Timing
Scope
Severity
Impact Score
5. Biological resource use -> 5.4. Fishing & harvesting
aquatic resources -> 5.4.4. Unintentional effects:
(large scale)
Ongoing
Minority (50%)
Rapid declines
-
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.3. Indirect ecosystem effects
2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
Ongoing
Minority (50%)
Stresses:
2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance
Ongoing
Minority (50%)
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
Unknown
Unknown
Stresses:
2. Species Stresses -> 2.3. Indirect species effects ->
2.3.7. Reduced reproductive success
6. Human intrusions & disturbance -> 6.1.
Recreational activities
9. Pollution -> 9.2. Industrial & military effluents ->
9.2.3. Type Unknown/Unrecorded
11. Climate change & severe weather -> 11.3.
Temperature extremes
Negligible declines
Negligible declines
Unknown
-
-
-
Conservation Actions in Place
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Conservation Actions in Place
In-Place Research, Monitoring and Planning
Action Recovery plan: Yes
Systematic monitoring scheme: No
In-Place Land/Water Protection and Management
Conservation sites identified: Yes, over part of range
Occur in at least one PA: Yes
Invasive species control or prevention: No
In-Place Species Management
Successfully reintroduced or introduced beningly: No
Subject to ex-situ conservation: No
In-Place Education
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pygoscelis papua – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
8
Conservation Actions in Place
Subject to recent education and awareness programmes: No
Included in international legislation: No
Subject to any international management/trade controls: No
Conservation Actions Needed
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Conservation Actions Needed
1. Land/water protection -> 1.1. Site/area protection
Research Needed
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Research Needed
3. Monitoring -> 3.1. Population trends
Additional Data Fields
Distribution
Continuing decline in area of occupancy (AOO): Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in area of occupancy (AOO): No
Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) (km²): 31400
Continuing decline in extent of occurrence (EOO): Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in extent of occurrence (EOO): No
Continuing decline in number of locations: Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in the number of locations: No
Population
Continuing decline of mature individuals: Unknown
Extreme fluctuations: No
Population severely fragmented: No
Continuing decline in subpopulations: Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in subpopulations: No
All individuals in one subpopulation: No
No. of individuals in largest subpopulation: 100
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pygoscelis papua – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
9
Habitats and Ecology
Continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat: Unknown
Generation Length (years): 7
Movement patterns: Full Migrant
Congregatory: Congregatory (and dispersive)
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pygoscelis papua – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697755A40173793.en
10
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The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed by the IUCN Global Species
Programme, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership. The IUCN
Red List Partners are: BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; Conservation
International; Microsoft; NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Sapienza University of Rome; Texas
A&M University; Wildscreen; and Zoological Society of London.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™