ATLAS DEL MAR PATAGÓNICO
spaces linea species

Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua).

Regional Nesting Sites of the Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua).

References. Green dots: colonies and the percentage of the world population that each area represents. Blue text: populations for which the Atlas provides distribution data. Red text: populations for which there are no data. Blue circle: colonies of origin of individuals studied.


Gentoo penguin adults from Malvinas Islands feed in shallow waters (< 100 m), and usually do not stray more than 15 km from the shores of the Malvinas Islands.

Data on 2 adults from the Kidney Cove colony (Malvinas Islands). All available data between May and November are included, without distinguishing between seasons.

Dataholder: K. Pütz.


© Valeria Falabella
© Valeria Falabella Nesting Sites
Principal feeding areas		 

Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua

Regional Nesting Sites: The species has a circumpolar range and breeds on sub-Antarctic islands and on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Diet: Gentoo penguin feeds in shallow waters (< 100 m) on fish, crustaceans and squid (Loligo sp. is a very important item in the diet, particularly in winter).

World breeding population: Estimated at 314,000 and 520,000 pairs.

Conservation Status: Near threatened (IUCN, 2008).

Main threats: Disturbance by humans, local pollution, and potential interactions with fisheries.
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