Newly discovered species of penguin reveals insights into New Zealand’s ecosystem
Scientists have made a remarkable discovery in New Zealand, unearthing fossils that belong to one of the smallest extinct penguin species ever found. The remains, which date back around 3 million years, shed light on the history of penguins in the region. Researchers stumbled upon two fossilized skulls of the newly discovered species, named Wilson’s little penguin (Eudyptula wilsonae), in the southern Taranaki region of the country’s North Island.
The skulls, belonging to a fully grown adult and a juvenile, bear a striking resemblance in size and shape to the living little penguins (Eudyptula minor), which are the smallest living species of penguin. Although exact measurements are uncertain due to the lack of bones, little penguins typically reach a maximum height of 13.5 inches (35 centimeters) and weigh around 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms).
The discovery of E. wilsonae was described in a study published on June 21 in the Journal of Paleontology. According to the researchers, this finding suggests that the little penguin genus, including its four subspecies, originated in New Zealand.
Lead author of the study, Daniel Thomas, a zoologist at Massey University, emphasized the evolutionary resilience of the little penguin lineage, which has remained relatively unchanged for millions of years despite significant climate fluctuations. Thomas stated, “The climate has changed a lot over this time and this lineage has been robust to those changes.”
This remarkable finding not only enhances our understanding of New Zealand’s ecosystem but also provides insights into other extinct and living species that have inhabited the region.
Little penguins, including Wilson’s little penguin, are currently listed as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, indicating large and stable populations. However, recent incidents have raised concerns about their conservation.
In June 2022, over 500 little penguins were discovered dead on New Zealand’s beaches. Some of the deceased birds weighed less than half the average weight of a little penguin. Researchers suspect that climate change-driven hotter ocean surface temperatures have forced their prey out of the penguins’ reach, resulting in insufficient feeding.
Furthermore, in 2020, an entire colony of approximately 6,000 little penguins was wiped out when Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) were reintroduced to a small island off the coast of Tasmania as part of a conservation effort.
Interestingly, this recent discovery of Wilson’s little penguin is not the only significant finding by the research team. They also unveiled the largest penguin ever known in February 2022. Named Kumimanu fordycei, this massive penguin lived around 59.5 million years ago, weighing a staggering 340 pounds (154 kilograms), which is approximately 170 times heavier than the newly discovered E. wilsonae. These remarkable discoveries highlight the intriguing diversity that penguins have exhibited throughout history.