Not Just for Decoration

A closer look at these feisty little creatures and their environmental significance

Penguins are a vital source to the ecosystem. Found only in the Southern Hemisphere, 18 species roam the earth—but not without harmful interceden. The Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) is one of two "near threatened" species. While of small stature, this flightless bird has an immense ecological impact.

Photographer Tony Mizen, 2011; Magellanic penguins roaming the beach

Magellanic Penguins are a near threatened species—meaning they are on the path to becoming endangered. Without action, their species may soon succumb to environmental dangers posed by harmful petroleum fouling.

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Eponymous to Ferdinand Magellan, Portuguese explorer, these penguins were first discovered approximately 500 years ago in 1519 (García-Borboroglu, 2006). Geographically, Magellanic penguins are situated along the South American coast, as well as Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica—generally settling in Argentina, Falkland Islands, and Chile (García-Borboroglu, 2006).

With such a wide climate range, the Magellanic penguin is highly adaptive (García-Borboroglu, 2006). While environmentally resistant to harsh climatic conditions, floating oil has continually wreaked havoc on concentrated populations of this species.

The habitual nature of the Magellanic penguin has been interrupted by such massive movements of marine pollution, and thus altering a variety of behavioral tendencies. Reproductive habits, migratory patterns, and preening behaviors have each succumbed to physiological and ethological issues resultant of petroleum pollution.