Scientists discover new penguin species for first time in more than 100 years

Scientists have discovered a new species of penguin on the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. Researchers believe it is the first new penguin species described in more than 100 years, ScienceDaily reports.

The new species is called Pygoscelis kerguelensis. Previously, these birds were classified as Papuan penguins, but genetic analysis showed that the population is significantly different from other representatives of the species.

Scientists studied the complete genomes of 64 penguins from ten colonies and found that the previously considered a single species actually includes four independent species. Three more populations that were considered subspecies are also proposed to be recognized as separate species.

According to the researchers, the four species diverged in the process of evolution about 300-500,000 years ago. One of the reasons was the long geographical division of populations on remote islands.

The researchers also warned that the new species could face threats to survival due to climate change. According to climate models, by 2050, suitable habitats for it may shrink on all the islands where it now occurs.

Papuan penguins (also Gentu penguins) are found in the Antarctic Peninsula, the islands of the South Atlantic, and sub-Antarctic archipelagos. They are considered to be one of the fastest-swimming penguins - in water birds are able to reach speeds of about 36 km / h.