The Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus)

By Jennifer Heilakka Tosso

Photographs by expert photographer Michael Nolan

The Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is one of the most interesting and unique species of penguin to exist. With their exclusive location, interesting lifestyles, and, frankly, adorable physiques, these birds easily win the attention of eager researchers and animal lovers alike. As an endangered species, we must learn what we can do for them and push conservation efforts to help grow and protect these unique and beautiful birds.

Endemic solely to the Galapagos Islands off the western coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos penguin is the only species to have populations that exist in the Northern Hemisphere. They are also the only penguins to nest entirely in the tropics. They are found mainly on Isabela and Fernandina Islands, but can also be seen on Floreana, Santiago, and Bartolome Islands. With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, they can grow to be roughly 2.5kg and 55cm in height, which is about 5.5lbs and 20in tall, making them one of the smallest species of penguin. Galapagos penguins are easily distinguished from other species by a thin white band that extends from behind their eyes around their ears to the throat. They also have two dark bands that pass across their front, one thick band at the throat, and a second upper breast band. Another distinctive feature they possess is that their upper bill is black, while the lower bill is pink with a black tip. Sexual dimorphism is present, making males slightly larger than females.

As with all other penguins, the Galapagos live a lifestyle split between land and sea, spending substantial amounts of time in the water hunting and socializing, while mating and nesting on land. When in the water, penguins have a distinct movement pattern that mimics the pattern of in-air flight, so although it is commonly said that they swim, one could accurately describe them as flying, but through the water. To conserve heat while in the water and also to stay cool while on land, the Galapagos penguins have densely packed, impermeable feathers that fit together like scales. This allows them to trap air in a dense layer of undercoat feathers, acting as a natural insulation to the elements. Because of this specialized set of attributes, these penguins can dive for extended periods and swim at speeds of 15mph while hunting. They live on a diet of anchovies, sardines, pilchard, and mullet, and will also take herring and crustaceans if they are available.

Like all other penguins, Galapagos penguins mate for life. Males will perform specific mating rituals, such as nest building and courting of females, to win a mate. Once mated, females can lay one to two eggs per clutch with an incubation period of 35 to 40 days. Both parents will care for the eggs and will continue to contribute to ensure the healthy growth of all chicks. Chicks fledge at around 8 to 9 weeks and will become fully independent within 3-6 months. Breeding success is very closely linked to environmental conditions. If conditions are ideal and food is abundant, penguins can breed 2 to 3 times per year, allowing eggs, chicks, and molting juveniles to be found year-round.

Due to their exclusivity in the Galapagos, these penguins face many challenges and unique situations that other species need not overcome. The Galapagos penguin is considered endangered, with an estimated breeding population of 600 breeding pairs and the entire population amounting to less than 2,000 individuals, making them the rarest species of penguin in the world. With numbers this low, conservation efforts must focus on increasing the number of individuals and protecting the areas used for breeding grounds and nesting sites. Attempts must also be made to mitigate the effects of other factors influencing the population size.

Climate change remains one of the most influential factors in the decline of the Galapagos Penguin species. Rising ocean temperatures and extreme weather conditions have increased the frequency and severity of El Niño events. In 1982, there was a particularly strong El Niño event that caused 77% of the penguin population to die of starvation, and it has been in recovery ever since. This population-wide starvation was due to the decline of their primary prey species. The primary prey species can only live in the Galapagos due to the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current. When the ocean temperatures rise due to El Niño, the schooling fish species that make up the diet of the birds are no longer able to survive in the area. When the food source disappears, naturally, the populations of animals depending on that organism will decline as well. Additionally, other factors such as pollution, accidental catch from fishing vessels, and invasive species will also consistently cause issues. There is hope, however, and thankfully, these birds have captured the attention of many people who are willing to help.

Thanks to the conservation efforts of the Galapagos Conservancy, the Galapagos Penguin population is slowly recovering despite the threats they face. Galapagos Penguins are closely related to the African, Humboldt, and Magellanic penguins, all of which are burrow-dwelling penguins. Because of this, they live in caves and crevices in the coastal lava rock, and their nests must meet specific needs: they must keep their eggs safe and cool from the sun, as well as protected from potential predators such as feral cats, rats, or other birds. Many old sites no longer exist, have been overtaken by marine iguanas, or may regularly flood, contributing to the decline in hatchling success over many years. In 2010, Dr. Dee Boersma of the University of Washington and her research team built 120 shaded nest sites to give breeding pairs the option of high-quality nest sites when breeding conditions were favorable. Researchers continue to monitor the population multiple times per year to determine whether the human-built nests are aiding in breeding success. Other measures have also been taken to support the recovery of the Galapagos Penguins. The area around the Mariela Islets near Elizabeth Bay of Isabela Island, the highest density breeding area for the Galapagos penguins, was designated as a marine protected area due to the efforts of the Galapagos National Park Directorate. In the 2017-2018 assessment, nearly a quarter of all observed breeding activity was observed in constructed nests, increasing to about 43% in some years, and about 60% of all juvenile penguins were found to be in good condition, resulting in the first population increase in years.

Conservation efforts have made an impact, and the first step has been taken, but public awareness and further preservation efforts are still needed to ensure the protection and livelihood of the Galapagos Penguin. It is our job to continue to fight for these birds, to push through, and not give up. By learning about them, you have already made a difference, and you can continue to do so. The Galapagos Penguin can thrive again through the efforts of people like you and me.

The Galapagos Penguin

Photographs by Michael Nolan