“The number of one of the species living on Galindez Island has reached a record.”, — write: www.unian.ua
The number of one of the species living on Galindez Island has reached a record.
Polar scientists recorded three species of penguins in one place / UNIAN collage, photo Zoya ShvidkaUkrainian polar explorers published a photo in which they recorded three species of penguins that ended up together in one place. The National Antarctic Science Center posted interesting footage on social networks.
“Do you know what makes this photo unique? It shows three species of penguins nesting near the Ukrainian station “Akademik Vernadskyi”. They all belong to the same genus Pygoscelis,” the researchers explained.
It is noted that two subantarctic penguins can be seen in the foreground and behind. Special features: red beak and white temples. Almost 20 years ago, because of the warming, these penguins really liked Galindez Island, where the Akademik Vernadskyi station is located.
“Every year they increase their presence here, now reaching a record 10 thousand!” – scientists emphasize.
Also in the photo is an Antarctic penguin. It can be recognized by its massive black beak and thin black stripe on the chin. These birds do not nest on Galindez, the center notes, but at the same time they are considered the most massive penguin species in the Antarctic. Their number is estimated at 7.5 million pairs.
The company has another handsome boy – penguin Adele. Special features: completely black head and white-blue eyes. According to scientists, “adeles” have several nests on Galindez. However, they are the only ones of the Pygoscelis trio to nest on the coast of the entire continent, while the others are tied to islands or peninsulas.
All these species begin their mating season in the Antarctic spring and build nests of stones. Usually two eggs are laid there, rarely one or three. Chicks are born in a little more than a month. In all species, both partners are responsible for parenthood: they incubate the eggs in turn, and then protect and feed the chicks
They are also hunted by the same predators – sea leopards and skunks.
“For the most part, in the Antarctic, penguins coexist peacefully with each other, because they have different lifestyles and hunting strategies. However, quarrels between the species also sometimes occur. For example, last season in Halindaz, an Antarctic penguin began to come to the nest of sub-Antarctic penguins and peck at its inhabitants. The pair there actively fought off him,” the researchers said.
According to them, this went on for several days, but eventually the penguins understood, and the uninvited guest moved to another part of the island.
Other news about the life of penguins in the Antarctic Ukrainian polar explorers recorded subantarctic penguins jumping out of the water onto land. This species lives on Galindez Island, where the Ukrainian polar station “Akademik Vernadskyi” is located, and the surrounding area. Penguins usually choose a gentle shore to come out of the water and use the same places. However, it is not a problem for them to jump to the edge, the height of which reaches three meters. For such a jump, these birds first gain speed in the water, and then with the help of their paws and tail, they change the angle of movement and literally fly into the air.
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