Download Eudyptes robustus, Snares Penguin

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
ISSN 2307-8235 (online)
IUCN 2008: T22697782A40180123
Eudyptes robustus, Snares Penguin
Assessment by: BirdLife International
View on www.iucnredlist.org
Citation: BirdLife International. 2012. Eudyptes robustus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
2012: e.T22697782A40180123. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.20121.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
Copyright: © 2015 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior written
permission from the copyright holder provided the source is fully acknowledged.
Reproduction of this publication for resale, reposting or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written
permission from the copyright holder. For further details see Terms of Use.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed by the IUCN Global Species Programme, the IUCN
Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership. The IUCN Red List Partners are: BirdLife
International; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; Conservation International; Microsoft; NatureServe; Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew; Sapienza University of Rome; Texas A&M University; Wildscreen; and Zoological Society of London.
If you see any errors or have any questions or suggestions on what is shown in this document, please provide us with
feedback so that we can correct or extend the information provided.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™
Taxonomy
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Animalia
Chordata
Aves
Sphenisciformes
Spheniscidae
Taxon Name: Eudyptes robustus Oliver, 1953
Common Name(s):
• English:
Snares Penguin, Snares Crested Penguin, Snares Islands Penguin
Taxonomic Source(s):
del Hoyo, J., Collar, N.J., Christie, D.A., Elliott, A. and Fishpool, L.D.C. 2014. HBW and BirdLife
International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Lynx Edicions BirdLife International.
Taxonomic Notes:
Eudyptes pachyrhynchus and E. robustus (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) are retained as separate
species contra Christidis and Boles (2008) who include robustus as a subspecies of E. pachyrhynchus.
Identification Information:
60 cm. Medium-sized, yellow-crested, black-and-white penguin. Dark blue-black upperparts, head, neck.
White underparts. Bright yellow, thin stripe from above eye to form drooping, bushy crest behind eye.
Bare pink skin at base of large red-brown bill. Similar spp. Erect-crested Penguin E. sclateri is taller with
erectile, bushy crests. Fiordland Penguin E. pachyrhynchus lacks pink bare skin at base of bill, crest
feathers usually shorter, whitish stripes often on cheeks.
Assessment Information
Red List Category & Criteria:
Vulnerable D2 ver 3.1
Year Published:
2012
Date Assessed:
May 1, 2012
Justification:
This species is classified as Vulnerable because it is restricted to one extremely small island group and
hence is susceptible to stochastic events and human activities. Population trends are not clear, but if it is
shown to be undergoing any decline, as is happening in some congeners, the species should be uplisted
to Critically Endangered.
Previously Published Red List Assessments
2010 – Vulnerable (VU)
2008 – Vulnerable (VU)
2005 – Vulnerable (VU)
2004 – Vulnerable (VU)
2000 – Vulnerable (VU)
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Eudyptes robustus – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
1
1996 – Vulnerable (VU)
1994 – Vulnerable (VU)
1988 – Lower Risk/least concern (LR/lc)
Geographic Range
Range Description:
Eudyptes robustus breeds on the Snares Islands (3 km2), 200 km south of New Zealand. The population
was estimated at 23,250 breeding pairs in 1985-1986; 19,000 on North-East Island, 3,500 on Broughton
and 750 on the Western Chain islets. In 2000, 25,861 pairs were counted on North-East Island and 4,000
on Broughton (Amey et al. 2001). The 2008 survey produced counts of 21,819 nests on North-East Island
and 4,234 nests on Broughton, suggesting that the species had experienced a poor breeding year in line
with that observed in the other seabird species present; a repeat survey in 2010 found 25,905 nests on
North-East Island and 5,161 nests on Broughton (J. Hiscock in litt. 2012). The population is considered
stable (J. Hiscock in litt. 2012). The wintering range is largely unknown, although occasional records from
the waters off Tasmania and South Australia suggest a movement towards Australia (D. Houston in litt.
2008).
Country Occurrence:
Native: New Zealand
Vagrant: Argentina; Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Present - origin uncertain: Australia
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Eudyptes robustus – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
2
Distribution Map
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Eudyptes robustus – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
3
Population
A survey in 2010 found 25,905 nests on North-East Island and 5,161 nests on Broughton (J. Hiscock in
litt. 2012), suggesting that there are c.31,000 pairs, or c.62,000 mature individuals. This is assumed to
equate to a total population of c.93,000 individuals.
Trend Justification
Surveys suggest that the population is stable or perhaps increasing (Amey et al. 2001, Mattern et al.
2009, J. Hiscock in litt. 2012).
Current Population Trend: Stable
Habitat and Ecology (see Appendix for additional information)
It nests in dense colonies, of usually between 50 and 500 pairs (mean 200, range 1-1,305 [Department
of Conservation unpubl. data]), mostly under the forest on North-East Island, but otherwise in the open
(P. J. McClelland in litt. 1999, J. Hiscock in litt. 2012). Chicks are fed on krill (60%), fish (30%) and squid
(10%), and that there are indications that fish and squid play a more important role in the diet of adults
(Mattern et al. 2009). In the breeding season, the species forages predominantly in the Subtropical
Convergence Zone during the incubation period and within a 50-km radius to the north of the Snares
Islands after hatching (Mattern 2012). It may first breed at four years of age and the oldest known bird
lived to 20 years (Heather and Robertson 1997). The yellow crest of the species may serve as a
condition-dependent indicator to conspecifics, thus potentially a signal of social status or attractiveness
(McGraw et al. 2009).
Systems: Terrestrial, Marine
Threats (see Appendix for additional information)
The main threats are commercial fisheries, oceanographic changes, and oil spills (Mattern 2012). There
are no introduced predators on the Snares Islands and consequently the possibility of the accidental
introduction of mammals is a continual concern (B. D. Bell verbally 1993). The Snares Islands are the site
of a large squid fishery, which may be in competition with the species (Ellis et al. 1998). Other Eudyptes
species in the region are presently undergoing major declines (E. sclateri, E. chrysocome), perhaps due
to oceanic warming and the associated change in distribution of prey species (Ellis et al. 1998).
Conservation Actions (see Appendix for additional information)
Conservation Actions Underway
The islands are nature reserves and part of a World Heritage Site declared in 1998. Landing is by permit
only (D. Houston in litt. 2008). Conservation Actions Proposed
Census all breeding colonies during incubation period. Complete regular counts every 10 years to
monitor trends in the population (Taylor 2000). Turn World Heritage Site territorial seas (out to 12
nautical miles) into a marine reserve and restrict all fishing (B. Weeber in litt. 2000).
Credits
Assessor(s):
BirdLife International
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Eudyptes robustus – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
4
Reviewer(s):
Butchart, S. & Symes, A.
Contributor(s):
Bell, B., Hiscock, J., Houston, D., Mattern, T., McClelland, P. & Weeber, B.
Facilitators(s) and
Compiler(s):
Allinson, T, Benstead, P., Calvert, R., Mahood, S., McClellan, R., Taylor, J.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Eudyptes robustus – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
5
Bibliography
Amey, J. M., McAllister, A. K., Houston, D. M. and Tennyson, A. J. D. 2001. Census of the Snares crested
penguin breeding population. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 28(4): 432–433.
Ellis, S., Croxall, J.P. and Cooper, J. 1998. Penguin conservation assessment and management plan: report
from the workshop held 8-9 September 1996, Cape Town, South Africa. IUCN/SSC, Apple Valley, USA.
Heather, B. D.; Robertson, H. A. 1997. The field guide to the birds of New Zealand. Oxford University
Press, Oxford, UK.
IUCN. 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 2012.1). Available at: http://www.iucnredlist.org.
(Accessed: 19 June 2012).
Marchant, S.; Higgins, P. J. 1990. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic birds, 1: ratites to
ducks. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Mattern, T. 2012. Snares Penguin Eudyptes robustus. In: García Borboroglu, P. G. and Boersma P. D.
(eds), Biology and Conservation of the World’s penguins, University of Washington Press, Seattle U.S.A.
Mattern, T.; Houston, D.; Lalas, C.; Setiawan, A. N.; Davis, L. S. 2009. Diet composition, continuity in prey
availability and marine habitat - keystones to population stability in the Snares Penguin (Eudyptes
robustus). Emu 109: 204-213.
McGraw, K. J.; Massaro, M.; Rivers, T. J.; Mattern, T. 2009. Annual, sexual, size- and condition-related
variation in the colour and fluorescent pigment content of yellow crest-feathers in Snares Penguins
(Eudyptes robustus). Emu 109(2): 93-99.
Taylor, G. A. 2000. Action plan for seabird conservation in New Zealand. Department of Conservation,
Wellington.
Citation
BirdLife International. 2012. Eudyptes robustus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012:
e.T22697782A40180123. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
Disclaimer
To make use of this information, please check the Terms of Use.
External Resources
For Images and External Links to Additional Information, please see the Red List website.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Eudyptes robustus – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
6
Appendix
Habitats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Habitat
Season
Suitability
Major
Importance?
1. Forest -> 1.3. Forest - Subantarctic
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.1. Marine Neritic - Pelagic
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.1. Marine Neritic - Pelagic
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.2. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Rock and Rocky Reefs
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.2. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Rock and Rocky Reefs
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.3. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Loose Rock/pebble/gravel
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.3. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Loose Rock/pebble/gravel
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.4. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Sandy
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.4. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Sandy
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.5. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Sandy-Mud
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.5. Marine Neritic - Subtidal Sandy-Mud
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.7. Marine Neritic - Macroalgal/Kelp
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.7. Marine Neritic - Macroalgal/Kelp
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.9. Marine Neritic - Seagrass (Submerged)
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
9. Marine Neritic -> 9.9. Marine Neritic - Seagrass (Submerged)
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
10. Marine Oceanic -> 10.1. Marine Oceanic - Epipelagic (0-200m)
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
10. Marine Oceanic -> 10.1. Marine Oceanic - Epipelagic (0-200m)
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
10. Marine Oceanic -> 10.2. Marine Oceanic - Mesopelagic (200-1000m)
Breeding
Suitable
Yes
10. Marine Oceanic -> 10.2. Marine Oceanic - Mesopelagic (200-1000m)
Nonbreeding
Suitable
Yes
Threats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Threat
Timing
Scope
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Eudyptes robustus – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
Severity
Impact Score
7
5. Biological resource use -> 5.4. Fishing & harvesting
aquatic resources -> 5.4.4. Unintentional effects:
(large scale)
8. Invasive & other problematic species & genes ->
8.1. Invasive non-native/alien species -> 8.1.1.
Unspecified species
11. Climate change & severe weather -> 11.3.
Temperature extremes
Ongoing
Whole (>90%)
Negligible declines
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.3. Indirect ecosystem effects
Future
Majority (5090%)
Stresses:
2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
Ongoing
Whole (>90%)
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
Rapid declines
Slow, significant
declines
Medium
impact: 6
Low impact: 5
Medium
impact: 7
Conservation Actions in Place
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Conservation Actions in Place
In-Place Research, Monitoring and Planning
Action Recovery plan: Yes
Systematic monitoring scheme: Yes
In-Place Land/Water Protection and Management
Conservation sites identified: Yes, over part of range
Occur in at least one PA: No
Invasive species control or prevention: Yes
In-Place Species Management
Successfully reintroduced or introduced beningly: No
Subject to ex-situ conservation: No
In-Place Education
Subject to recent education and awareness programmes: No
Included in international legislation: No
Subject to any international management/trade controls: No
Conservation Actions Needed
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Conservation Actions Needed
1. Land/water protection -> 1.1. Site/area protection
Research Needed
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Eudyptes robustus – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
8
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Research Needed
1. Research -> 1.2. Population size, distribution & trends
3. Monitoring -> 3.1. Population trends
Additional Data Fields
Distribution
Estimated area of occupancy (AOO) (km²): 3
Continuing decline in area of occupancy (AOO): Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in area of occupancy (AOO): No
Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) (km²): 3
Continuing decline in extent of occurrence (EOO): Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in extent of occurrence (EOO): No
Number of Locations: 1
Continuing decline in number of locations: Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in the number of locations: No
Upper elevation limit (m): 70
Population
Number of mature individuals: 62000
Continuing decline of mature individuals: Unknown
Extreme fluctuations: No
Population severely fragmented: No
No. of subpopulations: 1
Continuing decline in subpopulations: Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in subpopulations: No
All individuals in one subpopulation: Yes
No. of individuals in largest subpopulation: 100
Habitats and Ecology
Continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat: Unknown
Generation Length (years): 11.1
Movement patterns: Full Migrant
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Eudyptes robustus – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
9
Habitats and Ecology
Congregatory: Congregatory (and dispersive)
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Eudyptes robustus – published in 2012.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22697782A40180123.en
10
The IUCN Red List Partnership
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed by the IUCN Global Species
Programme, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership. The IUCN
Red List Partners are: BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; Conservation
International; Microsoft; NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Sapienza University of Rome; Texas
A&M University; Wildscreen; and Zoological Society of London.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™