Scientists have identified a new species of gentoo penguin on the remote Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. Named the southeastern gentoo penguin, Pygoscelis kerguelensis, it looks very similar to other gentoo penguins but is genetically distinct. The discovery is the first new penguin species formally described in more than 100 years. Scientists also found that what was once considered one widespread gentoo penguin species is actually made up of four separate species.
Meet the newly recognised gentoo penguin
Researchers studied whole-genome DNA from 64 penguins across 10 breeding colonies. The results showed four distinct evolutionary lineages, with each living in different parts of the Southern Hemisphere.
The four recognised species are:
- Northern gentoo penguin, Pygoscelis papua
- Southern gentoo penguin, Pygoscelis ellsworthii
- Eastern gentoo penguin, Pygoscelis taeniata
- Southeastern gentoo penguin, Pygoscelis kerguelensis
The southeastern gentoo is found on the isolated Kerguelen Islands, nearly 2,000 miles from any permanently inhabited landmass.
How did scientists find the difference between the penguin species?
The penguins do not have obvious differences that make them easy to identify. Instead, scientists used DNA, the genetic material that carries information about living things, along with physical features, behaviour and other evidence. The research found that the four groups have followed separate evolutionary paths for a long time. Scientists say this is an example of cryptic biodiversity, where different species can look almost identical but are genetically distinct. The findings were published in the journal Communications Biology.
Did you know?
– The last penguin species to be formally named was the northern rockhopper penguin, Eudyptes moseleyi, in 1921. That makes the gentoo discovery the first new penguin species named in more than a century.
– The Kerguelen Islands are so remote that they are sometimes called the Desolation Islands. They are nearly 2,000 miles from any permanently inhabited landmass.
FAQs
What is the new penguin species called?
It is called the southeastern gentoo penguin, with the scientific name Pygoscelis kerguelensis.
Where does it live?
It is found on the remote Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean.
How was the new species identified?
Scientists compared whole-genome DNA from gentoo penguins across different breeding colonies and found clear genetic differences between four groups.
How many gentoo penguin species are now recognised?
The research proposes four species: northern, southern, eastern and southeastern gentoo penguins.
Why is this discovery important?
Recognising the four species separately could help scientists understand their different populations and threats, and improve conservation efforts.
When was the last new penguin species named?
The northern rockhopper penguin, Eudyptes moseleyi, was formally named in 1921.
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