Island Penguin

Introduction

The island penguin, is a kind of penguin that lives on the Galápagos island. They also called Insula Penguin, because they live on an island. They have black in the upperpart, and white surrounded by black in the underparts. They are nesting in the tropics, and they have colonies in the northern tip of Isabela. Their biggest threat is oil pollution, but they eventually adapted, which is the oil resistance. This resistance to oil allowed their skin to be less damaged because the oil damages their skin.

Etymology

The word insula is a Latin word, meaning “island”. They live on the Galápagos Island. They are unique because unlike other penguins, insula penguins only live on the Galápagos Island.

Habitat and Population

The island penguins are currently living on the Galápagos island, and their current population is around 2000. They usually mate for life. Usually both of the parents take responsibility for the children. Their predators are Leopard Seal, killer whales, and sharks. Their diets are small fish, but also vegetables, this makes them healthier. They came from eggs, the birth rate is 3-4 eggs.

History

The island penguins were evolved from a type of penguin called Galápagos penguins and Emperor penguins. There was oil resistance and fishing that was affecting the penguins. So new species was created, which is the island penguins. They now have resistance to oil allowed the skin to be less damaged

Evolution

They are around 1.6 to 2.5 kg, and they are the smallest penguin species. They have small legs so they can’t walk fast. They have long paddles like arms which can swim fast. Their pray can be krill, fish, and shrimp, but they also eat vegetables.

Summary

Island penguins are penguins that live on the Galápagos Islands. They also called Insula penguin, because they live on the island. They usually lay 3-4 eggs each time. They eat plants and vegetables, so they are healthy. They weigh about 1.6-2.5kg, and they usually live around 25 years.

Works Cited

Carey, Ella. “Evolutionary History.” Galapagos Penguin, 1 June 2018, https://thegalapagospenguin.wordpress.com/evolutionary-history/.

“Galapagos Penguin.” Galapagos Conservation Trust, https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/wildlife/galapagos-penguin/.

“Galapagos Penguin - Facts, Diet & Habitat Information.” Animal Corner, https://animalcorner.co.uk/animals/galapagos-penguin/.

MarineBio. “Galápagos Penguin.” MarineBio Conservation Society, https://marinebio.org/species/galapagos-penguins/spheniscus-mendiculus/.

Moeller, Nathalie. “Fathers of the Galapagos: Penguins and Teamwork.” Metropolitan Touring, 12 June 2017, https://www.metropolitan-touring.com/galapagos-penguin-father/.