These images show endangered Galapagos penguins frolicking in the water, with researchers saying that it is the first time in their 12 years of studying them that they have seen so many.
Newsflash obtained a statement from the Galapagos National Park saying: “Researchers have shown the increase in the reproduction of Galapagos penguins.
“In a field trip to monitor the reproduction process of the Galapagos penguins, researchers Dee Boersma and Godfrey Merlen reported a great abundance of juveniles of this species at the sites they surveyed: in Elizabeth Bay and on the Mariela Islands, to the west of Isabela Island.
“The research team captured 31 penguins ranging from juveniles to adults, which were measured, weighed and given an identification mark for future recaptures. According to the researchers, this year there is evidence of an increase in reproduction and the juveniles are very healthy.”
(Parque Nacional Galapagos/Newsflash)
Merlen said: “In twelve years of this study, it is the first time that researchers have evidenced such high reproduction in penguins.”
The Galapagos National Park added: “This research will continue to assess how these juvenile penguins are incorporated into the population dynamics as adult individuals. The results will provide information on the long-term status of this Galapagos endemic species.”
The Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
(Parque Nacional Galapagos/Newsflash)
(Parque Nacional Galapagos/Newsflash)
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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