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Eudyptes chrysocome
– Vulnerable
Taxonomy
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Kingdom:
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ANIMALIA
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Phylum:
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CHORDATA
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Class:
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AVES
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Order:
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SPHENISCIFORMES
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Family:
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SPHENISCIDAE
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Scientific Name:
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Eudyptes chrysocome
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Species Authority:
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(Forster, 1781)
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Common Name/s:
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| English | — | ROCKHOPPER PENGUIN |
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Assessment Information
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Red List Category & Criteria:
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VU A2bce+3bce ver 3.1 (2001)
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Year Assessed:
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2005
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Assessor/s:
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BirdLife International
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Evaluator/s:
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Butchart, S., Stattersfield, A. (BirdLife International Red List Authority) & Croxall, J. (British Antarctic Survey)
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Justification:
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This species is classified as Vulnerable because it is inferred that the population has decreased by at least 30% over the last 30 years (three generations) based on declines at several sites and a variety of threats. If similar declines are detected at other large colonies, the species may warrant uplisting to Endangered (and if the subspecies were recognised as full species, as in several past treatments, Endangered status may be warranted for some or all). Although some threats are historical, it is assumed that these declines will continue.
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History:
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| 1988 | - | Lower Risk/least concern (BirdLife International 2004) |
| 1994 | - | Lower Risk/least concern (BirdLife International 2004) |
| 2000 | - | Vulnerable (BirdLife International 2000) |
| 2004 | - | Vulnerable (BirdLife International 2004) |
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Geographic Range
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Range Description:
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Eudyptes chrysocome numbers c.3.67 million pairs at 41 sites12,13. Nominate chrysocome breeds on the Falkland Islands (to UK), Isla Pinguino and Staten Island (Argentina), and on islands off southern Chile. Subspecies moseleyi breeds on Gough Island and islands in Tristan da Cunha (St Helena to UK), and Amsterdam and St Paul Islands (French Southern Territories). Subspecies filholi breeds on Prince Edward and Marion Islands (South Africa), Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands (French Southern Territories), Heard Island (Heard and McDonald Islands [to Australia]), Macquarie Island (Australia), and Campbell, Auckland and Antipodes Islands (New Zealand). Many subpopulations have undergone severe declines5: for example, 90% in 60 years in the Falklands (to 300,000 pairs)1, 40% in 13 years (1985-1998) on Marion (150,000)2, and 94% since the 1940s on Campbell (51,500 in 1985)4. The large population at Gough Island appears to have been stable between 1982 and 200014, although it suffered large declines prior to the 1980s.
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Countries:
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Native:
Argentina; Australia (Macquarie Is.); Chile; Falkland Islands (Malvinas); French Southern Territories (Amsterdam-St. Paul Is., Crozet Is., Kerguelen); Heard Island and McDonald Islands; New Zealand (Antipodean Is.); Saint Helena (Tristan da Cunha); South Africa (Marion-Prince Edward Is.); Uruguay
Vagrant:
Antarctica; Brazil
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FAO Marine Fishing Areas:
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Native:
Atlantic-Antarctic; Atlantic-southeast; Atlantic-southwest; Indian Ocean-Antarctic; Indian Ocean-eastern; Indian Ocean-western; Pacific-southeast; Pacific-southwest
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Population
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Population Trend:
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Habitat and Ecology
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Habitat and Ecology:
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It breeds in colonies, from sea-level to cliff-tops, and sometimes inland. It feeds on krill and other crustaceans, squid, octopus and fish11.
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System:
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Terrestrial; Marine
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Threats
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Threats:
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Increasing disturbance and pollution results from ecotourism and fishing5. Food supplies may be affected by squid fisheries, climate change and shifts in marine food webs4,6,15. In Patagonian coastal waters (an important wintering ground for the Falklands population7), hydrocarbon exploitation is a threat5. Around Tristan da Cunha, driftnet fishing and rock-lobster fisheries (which used birds for bait) has caused significant mortality9,10. On Nightingale, egging continues, perhaps causing decreases8,10. On Auckland, Macquarie and Kerguelen, introduced predators may affect breeding success5.
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Conservation Actions
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Conservation Actions:
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Conservation measures underway:
Regular monitoring is, or will be, undertaken on the Falklands, Tristan da Cunha, Gough, Marion, Amsterdam, St Paul and Campbell Islands14,16. Several ecological and demographic studies have been undertaken5,6. Many islands with breeding colonies are reserves. Recent research attempts to determine the cause of historic declines using stable isotope analysis of museum skins15.
Conservation measures proposed:
Continue or start to monitor representative populations, particularly chrysocome, to assess the possible impact of oil exploitation3. Conduct studies to assist in interpreting population changes and assessing interactions with commercial fisheries5. Eradicate introduced predators where possible5. Investigate impact of egg harvest on Nightingale10.
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