Galapagos Penguin Scientific Name: Spheniscus mendiculus Primarily in the Fernandina Island and the west coast of Isabela Island of the Galapagos Islands The Galapagos Penguin is the second smallest Penguin species. The Galapagos Penguin nest in depressions in the lava rock They forage for food in the nearby shores They stay by the Cromwell Current during the day since it is cooler and return to the land at night.

Breeding Most nests are seen between May and January. The Galápagos Penguin mates for life. It lays one or two eggs in places such as caves and crevices, protected from direct sunlight, which can lead to the eggs overheating

Diet Galapagos penguins eat mostly small fish such as mullet and sardines. They are dependent on the ocean currents to bring fish to their feeding grounds They only go search for food during the day and normally within a few kilometers of their breeding site. Diet: The main prey items taken by Galapagos Penguin are small fish like mullet and sardines.

Where is this species found? The Galápagos Penguin is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, with a majority of individuals being found on Fernandina and Isabela. The Galápagos Penguin is the only penguin species found north of the equator and in the Galápagos. These penguins live in coastal areas where they can nest on land and hunt in offshore waters.

Remaining Population? “The Galápagos penguin.. Has experienced a population decline of over 50 percent since the 1970s, and Faces a 30-percent chance of extinction in this contury.” -Tony LaCasse Spokesman for the New England Aqurium.. Scientists estimate that there are between 1,400 and 1,500 penguins in the wild.

Threats to the Penguin Some threats that Galapagos Penguins face are: 1. the fluctuation in food supply. 2.Predation by untamed animals like dogs and cats 3. Increased tourism 4. Pollution and fishing

Galapagos Penguins Conservation All populations of the Galapagos penguin occur within the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. Proposed measures to help this highly endangered species include discouraging the use of fishing nets in foraging areas. As the population of the diminutive and uniquely adapted Galapagos penguin is so small and precarious, and restricted to just one breeding location, unfortunately this species is extremely vulnerable to extinction.

What is being done to revitalize the species numbers? There is currently one effort put into place to specifically conserve the population of Galápagos Penguin. How successful are the current efforts? The current work of the Galápagos Conservancy appears to be helping the penguins reproduce successfully.

Adoption The price to adopt a Galapagos Penguin is $35. It includes: Glossy Photo of Your Adopted Animal & Fact Sheet Adopt An Animal Adoption Certificate Fact Sheet About Your Adopted Animal Species Animal Action Cards Packed With Information On Animal Issues & How You Can Help Animals And The Environment

What can be done to further help the species? To help support the conservation efforts, individuals can financially assist with research. Individuals can invest and become a partner in conservation, or individuals can make a symbolic penguin adoption online.

How is this species important to the world? The Galápagos Penguin plays a role in the ecosystem. These penguins also play an economic role. Save me!