On August 15, a historical event took place in Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo. A Humboldt Penguin chick, the first of its kind in India, hatched, marking a significant milestone in the country’s zoological history. The sex of this newborn penguin remains unknown as DNA tests will be carried out later. The hatchling’s egg was laid just a month prior, and now the fledgling stands as a symbol of species diversity in Indian zoos.
Humboldt Penguin: Origin of The Name
Named after the cold oceanic current, also known as the Humboldt Current, the Humboldt Penguin owes its moniker to German explorer Alexander von Humboldt. The Humboldt Current, alternatively known as the Peru Current, is typical for the natural habitat of these penguins, which is primarily along the West Coast of South America. This ocean current influences the water and air temperatures of coastal Chile and Peru.
Habitat and Range of the Humboldt Penguin
These penguins favor nesting on islands and rocky terrains while feeding in nearby waters. Their habitats are significantly shaped by the cold, nutrient-dense Humboldt Current flowing northwards from Antarctica. This oceanic current contributes to the abundance of plankton, krill, and fosters an ecosystem teeming with various types of fish. The Humboldt Penguin can be found mainly along the coasts of Chile and Peru in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
Migratory and Breeding Habits
Remarkably, these penguins have been documented traveling long distances at sea to locate food, especially as prey species have become increasingly scarce in recent years. Breedings can occur at any time of the year, with them typically burrowing nests amongst piles of guano in caves or along cliffsides.
The Life Cycle and Diet
On average, Humboldt penguins live for about two decades. They primarily feed on fish, particularly anchovies, herring, and smelt.
Major Threats to the Humboldt Penguin
Changes in ocean currents and temperature fluctuations in the Pacific Ocean pose a serious threat to the survival of these penguins. This is due to global warming effects which reduce the upwelling of cold, nutrient-laden waters, resulting in a decrease in penguin prey and overall productivity in their habitats. Compounding the problem, commercial fishing intensifies competition for food resources, while oil pollution also exacerbates the vulnerability of these seabirds.
In 2002, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed the Humboldt Penguin as a vulnerable species. It is also protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).