The largest population, estimated at five million pairs, occurs in the South Sandwich Islands. Since 1988 the chinstrap penguin has been listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species because of its high numbers and its extremely large geographic range .
What is special about the chinstrap penguin?
Chinstrap penguins may be the most abundant penguin , with a population estimated at 7.5 million breeding pairs. Chinstraps can reach depths of 70 m (230 ft), but most dives are less than 45 m (148 ft). Most dives last between 20–30 seconds. For more information about penguins, explore the Penguin InfoBook.
How does penguin help us?
Penguins do far more than make us smile, however; they also play important roles in ecosystems both in the ocean and on land. Penguins—adults, young and eggs—serve as food for predators such as leopard seals and seabirds in cold areas, along with foxes, leopards, and even crabs in warmer climates.
How has the chinstrap penguin adapted to Antarctica?
Chinstrap penguins are among the few animals that can survive the incredibly harsh climate of the Antarctic, and do so in part because of their physical adaptations. Their heavily-insulated, torpedo-shaped bodies help them avoid the cold and travel through the water and over the ice.
Are chinstrap penguins predators or prey?
The chinstrap penguin is considered a carnivore , as it eats squid, small fish, shrimp and krill. A carnivore eats other animals, so in the case of the chinstrap penguin, it eats other sea creatures. It does not eat seaweed or sea plants but relies on fish for its diet.
What animal eats chinstrap penguins?
Threats. In the water, where they feed primarily on krill, the penguins’ main predator is the leopard seal . On land, chinstraps face threats from skuas, giant petrels, and other birds that steal the penguins’ eggs and attack chicks, as well as a more unusual threat: volcanic activity.
How long can a Chinstrap penguin stay underwater?
Chinstrap. Chinstrap Penguins (Genus Pygoscelis type Antarcticus) which grow to a maximum of 68 to 76 cm tall (27-30 inches). They can get very tall then, and they also spend a lot of time hunting. These penguins can spend 20 minutes underwater, without needing a single breath!
How smart is a penguin?
Penguins are known for looking sharp. They have long been adored for their waddling gate and striking black and white attire that gives them the appearance of a flock of dinner jackets.
Do penguins get all their food from water?
All penguins hunt in the same way; they either catch their prey in the water or they can scrape krill off the underside of the ice.
What is the life expectancy of penguins?
LIFE CYCLE: This penguin’s average lifespan in the wild is 20 years .
Do penguins have pink feet?
Little Blue, Rockhopper, Macaroni penguins, and other species of the crested family have pinkish to flesh colored feet , sometimes having a black strip running down the back of the foot, and dark colored footpads. ... King, Emperor, Black-footed penguins have black feet.
Do chinstrap penguins live on a volcano?
Zavodovski Island is home to an active volcano , called Mount Curry. In 2016, it threatened more than 1 million Chinstrap Penguins, so much so that the population was in risk of being wiped out. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) stated that the volcano had erupted and covered the island in toxic smoke and ash.
Can chinstrap penguins fly?
They are the boldest penguin and are most likely to fight other penguins. ... Like most penguins, chinstrap penguins use their flippers to ‘fly’ underwater at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour . On land, they ‘toboggan’ on their stomachs, propelling themselves by their feet and flippers.
Where do Macaroni penguins live?
HABITAT: Macaroni penguins live in rocky, water-bound areas, on rocks and cliffs above the ocean . MIGRATION: Macaroni penguins are migratory and are rarely found near land during the non-breeding season.
What do chinstrap penguins eat in summer?
Diet and feeding
Chinstrap penguins feed mainly on krill and fish and are considered near-shore feeders, feeding close to their breeding colonies. They catch prey by pursuit-diving using their flippers to ‘fly’ through the water.
