New Penguin Species (Pygoscelis kerguelensis)

Why in News?

An international team of experts published a study identifying a new species of penguin, "Gentoo Penguin" (Pygoscelis papua) for the first time in over 100 years.

• Common Name - It is also known as the Southeastern Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis kerguelensis).
• It is a newly identified species of penguin native to the remote Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance - While P. kerguelensis looks virtually identical to other gentoo penguins on the surface, its true differences are deeply embedded in its DNA.
• It does, however, exhibit slight variations in body size and vocalizations.
• Genetic Diversity - The Kerguelen population shows remarkably high genetic diversity.
• Scientists believe these remote islands served as a crucial glacial refuge where the penguins managed to persist and evolve independently during past ice ages.
• Isolation - Their habitat is one of the most isolated places on Earth, situated roughly 1,200 miles (2,000 km) north of Antarctica and far from any permanently inhabited landmass.

Other species

• The study elevates 4 geographically isolated lineages to full species status.

Reference

The Indian express | Pygoscelis Kerguelensis