Galápagos Penguin | Species

Species
Galápagos Penguin

Species
Galápagos Penguin

Overview

Status
Endangered
Population
fewer than 2000
Scientific Name
Spheniscus mendiculus
Weight
5.5 pounds
Length
19 inches long
Habitats
Oceans

This is the only penguin species found north of the equator and in the Galápagos.

Places
The Galápagos

Browse Photos & Videos

Why They Matter

This is the only penguin species found north of the equator and in the Galápagos.

Threats

Population fewer than 2000
Extinction Risk Endangered
1. EX
  Extinct
  
  No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died
2. EW
  Extinct in the Wild
  
  Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population
3. CR
  Critically Endangered
  
  Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the Wild
4. EN
  Endangered
  
  Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
5. VU
  Vulnerable
  
  Facing a high risk of extinction in the Wild
6. NT
  Near Threatened
  
  Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future
7. LC
  Least Concern
  
  Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened

Penguins are threatened by pollution, bycatch and climate change. Introduced species, such as dogs, carry diseases that can spread to penguins as well, and cats pose a threat as predators. Past strong El Niño events have caused mortalities of up to 77 percent, with dramatic declines of prey species and reduced breeding success.

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