At a glance
- IUCN category
- EN · Endangered
- Animal group
- Birds
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The erect-crested penguin is a crested penguin with upright yellow brow plumes, breeding only on a couple of remote sub-Antarctic islands. It is assessed as Endangered.
Its breeding biology is little known because its colonies are so remote.
Range & habitat
Breeds on the remote Bounty and Antipodes Islands south of New Zealand.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Ocean change affecting food
- A tiny breeding range
- Disturbance
Why it matters
A crested penguin confined to a few remote islands, the erect-crested penguin is a barometer for the southern ocean's productivity.
Sources
Sources for Erect-crested Penguin
- IUCN Red List — look up Erect-crested Penguin (authoritative status)
- BirdLife International
Frequently Asked Questions
What is distinctive about the erect-crested penguin?
Its yellow head crests stand upright rather than drooping, unlike those of related crested penguins — a feature reflected in its name.
Why is the erect-crested penguin Endangered?
Published assessments cite ocean change affecting food supply, its tiny breeding range, and disturbance. See the IUCN Red List.
Last updated: