Gentoo Penguin: Habitat, Distribution and Conservation

Category: Environment & Biodiversity

  • Scientific name: Pygoscelis papua.

  • A penguin species of the Southern Hemisphere.

  • Known for its distinctive white patch above the eyes and orange-red bill/feet.

  • Found mainly in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions.

  • Gentoos are excellent swimmers and feed largely on fish, krill and other marine organisms.

  • Their breeding colonies occur on islands and coastal areas.

  • Climate change and changes in marine food availability can affect penguin populations.

UPSC Focus: Antarctic biodiversity, penguins, marine ecosystems.