Oiling Penguins Via Pollution

Petroleum deposits that sit atop the water are obviously harmful to this species, but what issues does it pose when it comes to preening?

Feather Damage

Coastal populations of Magellanic penguins are subject to becoming masked with liquid petroleum deposits found floating on and around ocean surfaces (Frias, 2012). The habitual grooming patterns of these birds are thereafter induced—sending an influx of preening signals to the uropygial gland (Pütz, 2007).

Due to fixed action patterns and physiological disadvantages, an oiled penguin is subject to ingesting petroleum (Frias, 2012). When arriving ashore from searching for food, the penguin will immediately begin preening itself (Gallo, 2019).

As the animal preens with its beak, toxic petroleum enters the body and thereafter begins to harm internal organs (Gallo, 2019). As the oil seeps into their bloodstream, hormone production is minimized and body mass dips (Gallo, 2019).

Petroleum’s hydrophobic properties will also induce the matting of penguin feathers—further complicating the preening process (Frias, 2012).

Mercury-Filled Quills

As surface swimmers, this combination is the most severe situation in regards to the physical well-being of Magellanic penguins; migration is necessary for feeding and breeding purposes (Gallo, 2019). Marine and environmental pollution are evident at a micro-level of observation—as indicated by a myriad of studies measuring the toxicokinetic properties in feather composition (Frias, 2012).

Developed as a result of heavy pollution, the Magellanic penguin detoxifies its body by excreting noxious metals—such as Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), and Cadmium (Cd)—through feather quills (Frias, 2012). As analyzed by respective lab technicians, this increase in harmful substances could be attributed to the ingestion and coverage of oil pollution (Frias, 2012).