Eudyptes Sclateri, more commonly known as the Erect Crested penguin, is one of the many species of penguin found around the world. Not as much is known about this penguin as is known about some of the more popular types, for it has not been the subject of much

study. However, we do know certain things about them.

    

Eudyptes Sclateri are the largest of 6 species of crested penguins. They can be  recognized by the long, yellow stripe across their faces, which extends from the base of the bill and above the eye to form a short, yellow crest. They have long, slender, dark orange beaks, and have dark black cheeks. They are around 65 in tall and 4 kg in weight.

    

Eudyptes Sclateri makes it home in the subantarctic region of New Zealand. There are an estimated 130,000 to 170,000 of them left in the wild. There are not many of them left in the wild, for the species has experienced a population decline. In fact, on the IUCN conservation  status, they are endangered.

     

Eudyptes Sclateri are carnivores, that is the eat only meat. They like to eat krill and fish they find while hunting. However, just like other penguins, there are other animals hunting them while they hunt. Seals, such as the leopard seal, can and will eat penguins. Some other predators include sharks and killer whales(orcas). Chicks and eggs can be attacked by mice and birds. One uprising predators of these penguins are…… humans! Humans can injure penguins while fishing, and while polluting the water. Another interesting fact is that these penguins also compete with humans for food. Over fishing really hurts these penguins. 

   

Over all, the Erect Crested penguin is a remarkable penguin that we unfortunately do not know much about. We do know that us humans are damaging their population. We need to help these penguins survive before they too become an extinct species.

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Author: Tomiwa O.

Published 02/2014

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Sources:

www.penguins-world.com/penguin/predators

marinebio.org/species.asp?id=648

animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/eudyptes_sclateri/

 

Picture source: http://www.pbase.com/otto1/ant_erect_crested_penguin