Researchers identify new penguin species on remote Kerguelen Islands

The short version

• An international team revealed that gentoo penguins comprise four separate species rather than a single group, identifying a new species on the Kerguelen Islands.[ScienceDaily]
• The newly named southeastern gentoo penguin, Pygoscelis kerguelensis, marks the first new penguin species formally recognized in over a century.[ScienceDaily]
• Although visually similar as a cryptic species, it shows substantial genetic divergence from other gentoo populations.[ScienceDaily]
• Scientists warn that Pygoscelis kerguelensis and two other newly defined lineages could face risks as climate change affects their habitats.[ScienceDaily]

Key facts

• Researchers identified a new gentoo penguin species on the Kerguelen Islands, the first new penguin species named in more than 100 years.[ScienceDaily]
• Genetic analysis indicates that gentoo penguins actually comprise four distinct species.[ScienceDaily]
• The newly named southeastern gentoo penguin has been designated Pygoscelis kerguelensis.[ScienceDaily]
• The southern gentoo, Pygoscelis ellsworthi, is the only one of the four species inhabiting Antarctica.[ScienceDaily]
• The findings were published by an international team in the journal Communications Biology.[ScienceDaily]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Scientists discover first new penguin species in more than 100 yearsScienceDaily - Science