species focus | Hopping birds
LONGsnout pipefish | species focus
Hopping birds
With compliments
Rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome)
The rockhopper penguin, which is
Penguin
pandemonium
Even though their colonies can be small when compared
to other species, they can make a lot of noise. The
penguins are in fierce competition for nesting materials,
mating partners and territory and these all contribute to
the cacophony of sound heard at their breeding sites.
They also shake their heads, wave their heads or flippers,
bow, gesture and preen to communicate.
60 | SUBMERGE Let the dive begin
The best explanation for why there are rockhopper penguins in
South African waters is that fishermen and large fishing vessels
take these birds from their habitat in the Sub-Antarctic and keep
them aboard their ships as pets, for food or to sell. As they are not
permitted to have these birds in South Africa and may be fined if
found with the penguins, they throw the penguins overboard when
they enter South African waters. The birds are then found by the
public, rehabilitated through the South Africa Foundation for the
Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) and donated to the Two
Oceans Aquarium. They cannot be released back into the wild, as it is
feared that they might introduce diseases. S
Image by Dagny Warmerdam.
widespread in the Sub-Antarctic, is suitably named as it has
incredible jumping abilities and hops up and down steep slopes to
get to its nest. These nests, which are made of pebbles and twigs, are
situated on hills at their breeding ground located on Tristan, Marion
and Prince Edward Islands.
The male and female will take turns to incubate two eggs, of
which only one will hatch. Thereafter, the father will protect the chick
for up to 26 days from the cold and from enemies while the mother
forages for the chick. The chick will then join a crèche until it is 10
weeks old and can go out on its own.
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This species’ conservation status is of least concern.
Those that are not old enough to hatch their own young are called
“hoodlums”.
They are the smallest of the crested penguin species.
They are 47-60cm tall when they are standing and they weigh
2.4-4.2kg.
The tongue and roof of their mouths have rear-directed spines to help
when swallowing live prey.
CONTENTS
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