Waitaha penguin
![]() | It has been suggested that this article be merged into Yellow-eyed penguin. (Discuss) Proposed since October 2023. |
Waitaha penguin Temporal range:
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Sphenisciformes |
Family: | Spheniscidae |
Genus: | Megadyptes |
Species: | |
Subspecies: | †M. a. waitaha
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Trinomial name | |
†Megadyptes antipodes waitaha | |
Synonyms | |
Megadyptes waitaha[1] |
The Waitaha penguin (Megadyptes antipodes waitaha) is an extinct subspecies[3][4] of Megadyptes antipodes, and sister taxon to the extant yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes antipodes), that probably died out soon after humans settled in New Zealand. It was described (then as a separate species) in 2009.[1]
Taxonomy
The Waitaha penguin was initially described in 2009 as a separate species.
DNA studies from 2019 and 2022 recommended classifying it as M. a. waitaha, a subspecies of Megadyptes antipodes.[3][4] Thus, Megadyptes antipodes is native to mainland New Zealand after all.
Extinction
As the local Māori people have no record of this subspecies,[6] it is estimated to have perished between c. 1300 and 1500, soon after Polynesian settlers arrived in New Zealand.[8] While it is currently unclear precisely how it became extinct, Boessenkool says they were probably eaten by the settlers. "The fact we find these bones in archaeological sites, villages or settlements, suggests hunting played a role. The birds were an easy target, easy to take and there were never very many of them."[6] After their extinction, their range was occupied by yellow-eyed penguins (now Megadyptes antipodes antipodes), previously most abundant in the subantarctic islands further south. The decrease in sea lion populations after human settlement may also have eased their expansion. Another coauthor, Dr Phil Seddon, said "these unexpected results highlight ... the dynamic nature of ecosystem change, where the loss of one species may open up opportunities for the expansion of another."[9] The report was published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.[1]
See also
- Fauna of New Zealand
- List of extinct New Zealand animals
- List of birds of New Zealand
References
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Wikispecies-logo.svg/34px-Wikispecies-logo.svg.png)
- ^ PMID 19019791.
- ^ "Megadyptes waitaha. NZTCS". nztcs.org.nz. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
- ^ PMID 30722030.
- ^ ISSN 2041-1723.
- ^ Askin, Pauline (2008-11-20). "Researchers stumble upon new penguin species". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
- ^ a b c "Rare penguin took over from rival". BBC News. 2008-11-19. Retrieved 2008-11-20.
- ^ "New penguin species found in New Zealand" (Press release). University of Adelaide. 19 November 2008. Retrieved 2 December 2008.
- ^ Fox, Rebecca (2008-11-20). "Ancient species of penguin found in DNA of bones". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 2008-11-20.
- ^ "Penguin bones reveal long-lost species" (Press release). Science Media Centre. 19 November 2008. Retrieved 2 December 2008.