Southern Rockhopper Penguin

Scientific Name

Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome

Other Common Name(s)

Rockhopper Penguin

Body Length

55 cm

Body Weight

2-3 kg

Distribution

Southern rockhopper penguins live on islands in the South Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. This subspecies are found on islands around the southern part of South America

Fun Facts

Southern rockhopper penguins live and breed on rocky coasts, sometimes on cliff tops or in rock gullies. To reach their homes, these birds have developed the high agility needed to hop along steep slopes. Although they are only 55 cm tall, they can jump to around 1 m high.

The males help to incubate eggs and are supplied with food brought by the females. If a chick hatches before its mother returns, the father regurgitates a secretion from its oesophagus and feeds the chick. Containing protein and fat, this regurgitated substance resembles mammal’s milk.

Threats & Conservation

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Southern rockhopper penguins have declined rapidly by an estimated 30% over the past 3 decades. Commercial fisheries have reduced the availability of food sources, while climate change has affected the marine food web. Pollution and habitat disruptions, including fossil fuel extraction and tourism, are also harmful to these penguins.

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